WBO middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders says he will retire at the age of 30 – in less than two years time.
Saunders, who successfully defended his world title for a third time against Canadian David Lemieux last time out, says he will walk away from boxing after being “very sensible” with his money.
The Hatfield-born boxer said: “I’ve always said when I’m 30 I’ll be done.
“I’ve got children, I’ve been very sensible with my money — put it into property — and I’ve always said that when I’m 30 I’ll be done. I’ve done everything in boxing now.”
But Saunders says he could be be tempted to fight on should he get offered big money for a fight.
He added: “Don’t get me wrong if I’m 30 and the unified champion and there’s a fight there worth £10million, I’m going to say: ‘All right, let’s do it’.
“I’ve been very, very lucky, I’ve probably earned more through property than I have through boxing.
“Where I come from, being a young kid, 11 years old, I’ve always had to buy and sell something.
ROY OF THE ROVERS Boxing legend finally announces retirement
“Even when I got older, 16, 17, I was buying and selling cars, little cars, but it was what I could afford.
“There’s a hell of a lot of money to be made in property. I rent them out, I have flipped them, I’ve got lucky with planning permission on some, building on some. I’ve fallen lucky a couple of times.”
Most Read In Boxing
Saunders added that he’ll be having a quiet night in on New Year’s Eve as he isn’t much of a drinker.
“I never go anywhere (on New Year’s Eve). You never hear of me in nightclubs, I’m not a drinker, I have never touched drugs. I’ll have the odd drink but if I ever do go out to a nightclub I’m back for half 12,” he said.
“I just love food, I really do. My fight was always the scales, I used to think my talent would get me through the rest. My talent won me the world title.”
Leave a comment