Billy Joe Saunders (pictured) has warned opponent Marcelo Esteban Coceres that he’ll show just how many levels above him he is when they clash on Saturday. Saunders (28-0, 13 KOs) defends his WBO title against Argentina's Coceres (28-0-1, 15 KOs) at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, live on Sky Sports and DAZN. It takes place on the undercard of the rematch between YouTubers KSI and Logan Paul, and Saunders has fired a clear statement of intent towards Coceres ahead of their battle.

 

Saunders said: “I’m not that known here yet, so I need to showcase my skills in America and then you’ll know me after Saturday... no disrespect to my opponent, but I’m here to show how levels are made. I’m after Canelo, Golovkin and the big names. I’m hoping to put on a good performance for the American crowd, so thanks to DAZN and Matchroom Boxing. It’s a great card with some fantastic fighters, and then a couple of YouTubers too.”

 

Coceres added: “Thank you to Matchroom Boxing for making this fight possible, and thank you to Billy Joe Saunders for the opportunity. I came to win in the USA, and I’m doing it for my kids. I’m going to win this fight and take this belt home to show them.”

 

Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “This is a great opportunity for Billy Joe Saunders in his long overdue American debut. If you haven’t seen him fight before, this is a gift for you. He is one of the most naturally talented fighters to ever come out of the UK, and sits on the verge of the mega fights in boxing. Everyone looks at Canelo as the man to beat, and I believe Billy is a dark horse to fight Canelo on Cinco De Mayo. It’s a challenge he would love to take, and I think he has the ability to be a pound-for-pound great in the sport. First he must overcome a fight he’s expected to win but one that won’t come easy on Saturday against a good undefeated challenger.”