BOXING legend Bernard Hopkins believes Billy Joe Saunders has turned down the chance of a lifetime in dodging Canelo Alvarez.
Despite chasing the fight for years, Saunders decided not to accept a September showdown, insisting he needed a longer fight camp.
He also insinuated that the money on offer wasn’t as attractive as it should have been.
Saunders is the WBO super-middleweight world champion, but Hopkins thinks he has made a mistake in turning down Canelo.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 55-year-old, who promotes Canelo, said: “You should always be prepared.
“Billy Joe Saunders is not a rookie in the game. Billy Joe Saunders has been in some highlighted moments.
“He understands, he had a taste of the high level.
“He missed out and there’s no guarantee, especially in the world of boxing, that Saunders will get a call from anybody, pertaining a world champion, the biggest spotlight you can get – pandemic or not – opportunity.”
Saunders’ boxing licence is also currently suspended while the board tries to arrange a hearing over the idiotic ‘joke’ video he made in March, instructing would-be domestic abusers how to best hit their partners.
He is also facing another battering from the British Boxing Board of Control over a warped message to Chris Eubank Jr.
The 31-year-old continued his dismal disciplinary record by mentioning his rival’s mum during a heated social media exchange last week.
It subsequently saw him banned by Twitter.
