Billy Joe Saunders is a professional boxer from Hertfordshire, England, who hails from a proud Gypsy family. He is an undefeated fighter who holds two world titles: the WBO super-middleweight belt in 2019 and the WBO middleweight belt in 2015.
Saunders is ranked fifth on ESPN and fourth on The Ring Magazine as of February 2021. Furthermore, he is ranked #6 on the TBRB list.
Boxing is in Saunders’ blood. His great-grandfather, Absolom Beeney, was a famous bare-knuckle boxer in the nomadic community. Saunders started boxing at the Chestnut Amateur boxing club.
Saunders had a lot of success as an amateur. He won the first 49 fights as he prepared his way to win the Commonwealth Championships in 2007 and the Strandja Cup in 2008. He also qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games, becoming the first traveller to represent the United Kingdom at the sports spectacle.
His boxing career has been a roller coaster journey. The champion has been involved in a number scandals in the past which has resulted in him being suspended from the sport.
However, Saunders hoped to regain his fame with a match against Canelo Alvarez. His dreams were shattered as he suffered defeat.
Achievements
As of February 2020, Saunders had a perfect 30-0 record. He has a knockout rate of 46%. Furthermore, Saunders is regarded as the first of the travellers to become a two-weight world champion. Another milestone of his career was his WBO middleweight title victory over Andy Lee.
It was the first time two Gypsies competed for a world boxing title. Saunders has had some spectacular wins, in addition to his other title victory over Shefat Isufi. He has faced Chris Eubank Jr. and John Ryder among others.
Foundation and charity
Saunders contributed £25,000 to a domestic abuse charity. This is the sole public charity deed we know about the champion as of 2021.
Net Worth
Saunders is estimated to be worth $2 million as of 2021. It was further claimed that his yearly income from the sport is $360,000, including a fight pay of $180,000. As a result, his boxing career is his primary source of income.
Endorsements
According to Net Worth Portal’s official social media, the champion is supported by Fly boxing gloves for all of his battles. He also has a deal with the apparel store Casual Basement, which can be seen on their Instagram page.
He is associated with The Hapi Company which is a luxury toothbrush company.
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