Best of fr-enemies- Spike wants old mate Saunders in World title fight next

Gary O’Sullivan doesn’t want to wait around and wants rematch with close friend Billy Joe Saunders next.

The Cork middleweight registered impressive victory over American prospect Antoine Douglas on the same HBO broadcast card that Saunders successfully defended his WBO middleweight title against David Lemieux and wants the main event’s victor. 

After stopping Nick Quigley in the fourth round of a Golden Boy on ESPN card in Boston back in September, O’Sullivan [27(19)-2(1)] signed a four-fight deal with the outfit – and started off with an upset win in the co-feature of a big HBO card.

A fan-friendly puncher who will most likely be ranked by three of the four major governing next month, there are big fights out there for Spike O’Sullivan, but Cork middleweight wants the WBO title holder.

“I want Billy Joe Saunders next.” O’Sullivan said  without really expanding.

Suanders, who claimed the title by defeating Andy Lee, is keen on the winner of the proposed Gennady Golovkin Saul Alvarez rematch, but would be free for another defence in the Spring.

However is being linked with  the likes of Daniel Jacobs, rated No4 by the WBA, and undefeated pair Demetrius Andrade and Jermall Charlo.

Not too mention having schooled Lemieux over 12 it would seem unlikely that the British fighter will face O’Sullivan next. The pair fought in 2013 with Saunders winning a wide points decision and a rematch would be a hard sell unless the Celtic Warriors man claims a few more big wins.

O’Sullivan is still keen to throw his hat in the ring and has options– and regardless of who is next he was more than content with how he performed.

“Delighted with the win and to get the job done. I would like to thank all for their support here tonight,” O’Sullivan said post fight before revealing he took an illness into the big fight.   

“I was sick for two weeks with a chest infection, so I was not 100 percent,” O’Sullivan added. “I thought it was a good opportunity, so decided to fight anyway. I’m happy with my performance but could have done better. Douglas is a tough guy and has a good chin, never been knocked out like that.”

Statistically, O’Sullivan detonated 130 of 447 (29%) of his total punches, and 102 of 291 (35%) of his power shots.

Douglas wasn’t far behind, landing 108 of 376 (29%) of his total punches, and 77 of 204 (38%) on power punches.