Billy Joe No Go for Fitzgerald as he turns down Suanders
By Jonny Stapleton
Middleweight Anthony Fitzgerald has seen a massive breakthrough fight with Billy Joe Saunders slip through his gloves over the last couple of days.
‘The Pride’ was offered a chance to fight the much touted former Olympian on the under card of James DeGale and Jose Maria Guerrerro in Liverpool on December 9, but had to turn down the clash as he feared he wouldn’t make weight in time.
The WBA world number 10 is obviously disappointed and claims he was very keen to challenge the undefeated prospect live on Box Nation.
Indeed the Irish super middleweight and EBA European champion tried to negotiate a new date for what would could have proven to be the biggest fight of his career.
Secondary negotiations where not fruitful however and Fitzgerald now plans to take matters in his own hands and promote a show in Dublin in mid February.
“I got a call asking if I would fight Billy Joe Saunders and I instantly said yes. That is a fight I would love to take. Defeating Saunders would really raise my profile across the UK, but the notice was too short. I would have two weeks to prepare and there is weight issues too. I told them they would take the fight with six weeks notice, but they are just focused on December 9. I am not sure they want Saunders in against me when I have the benefit of a full training camp behind me,” Fitzgerald revealed before discussing a fight under the Pride Promotions banner scheduled for mid February.
“We are looking at putting a show on in February. Dublin badly needs a show and it will prove beneficial to all the Irish fighters out there at the moment not getting regular work. We are looking at a few options for myself, but I would love to fight Spike. I am not sure if he would take it or not though.”