Saunders Training, In Good Shape
The Billy Joe Saunders Bombshell
Standing on the hallowed turf of St. Mary's Stadium, light-heavyweight contender Lewis Edmondson was there to promote his upcoming fight, but he left the boxing world buzzing with news of a different kind. When asked about the status of former two-weight world champion Billy Joe Saunders, Edmondson provided a tantalizing update that is sure to fuel comeback rumors. “Billy Joe's very well,” Edmondson confirmed. “I know he's training. I know he's fit and… he's in good shape.” While he was quick to add that the ultimate decision to return rests with Saunders himself—“whether he fight again or not, that's the only question he can answer”—the confirmation that the slick southpaw is fit and active in the gym is the most significant news we’ve had on Saunders in some time. After his brutal loss to Canelo Alvarez, many wondered if we’d ever see him in a ring again. According to Edmondson, the door remains very much open.
High Stakes at St. Mary's Against Lyndon Arthur
Before any speculation can get too far, Edmondson has a serious task at hand: a massive domestic showdown against Lyndon Arthur on June 20th, right here at the home of his beloved Southampton FC. This isn't just another fight; Edmondson sees it as a pivotal, career-defining clash for both men. He respects Arthur's experience, noting his world title challenge against Dmitry Bivol and his status in the division. “He's been there, he's done it,” Edmondson said, but he also highlighted the immense pressure on his opponent. “He loses this, I believe he's done. He knows this is his last shot really.” With a victory, Edmondson sees a path to “the big big fights, the big names on the world scene.” The bout promises to be a respectful but intense affair, with both fighters understanding that their world-level ambitions are on the line. “It's mutual respect,” Edmondson stated. “There's none of that here today. It's strictly business, strictly boxing.”
Unfinished Business with Lapin
Reflecting on his last major outing, a controversial points loss to Daniel Lapin on the Usyk-Dubois undercard, Edmondson remains resolute. “Listen, we won the fight no matter what,” he insisted. “I've not met anybody yet that believes we didn't win that fight.” Fighting an associate of Oleksandr Usyk on an Usyk-promoted card was always going to be an uphill battle, but Edmondson feels the result was a clear injustice. A rematch seemed logical, and according to him, it was discussed. However, the fight has failed to materialize. “He's gone running,” Edmondson claimed. “We've talked with his team many times. Was meant to happen. He's gone running off. He doesn't want to know. I don't believe they'll put him back in the ring with me. And they know exactly why.” He even revealed that Ukrainian fans frequently message him asking for the rematch, a testament to the controversial nature of the first encounter.
The Ben Whittaker Fight That Never Was
Another name inextricably linked with Edmondson is the flashy and flamboyant Ben Whittaker. While acknowledging Whittaker's success as a “very good businessman” who is “making that coin,” Edmondson is unimpressed with his level of opposition. The real frustration, however, stems from failed attempts to make the fight happen. When told Eddie Hearn wants to match Whittaker with Lyndon Arthur, Edmondson scoffed. “The problem is these lot talk too much,” he said, before dropping a significant claim. “I signed a contract to fight Whittaker many times… I accepted the fight, accepted the terms and conditions, and these lot just talk.” He specifically mentioned signing a contract to face Whittaker in Riyadh on the card where Whittaker ultimately fought Liam Cameron. “Even though the contract was signed, they chose to fight Liam Cameron. I don't know how that was possible, but it did happen.” After so much back and forth, Edmondson says he’s moved on, focusing on opponents who are willing to fight. “I'm fighting anybody and everybody, and that's something he's not doing.”