WBO middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders calls out Amir Khan after claiming unanimous points decision over Willie Monroe Jr

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS has called out Amir Khan after retaining his WBO middleweight belt against Willie Monroe Jr.

The 28-year-old claimed a comfortable unanimous points decision victory against the American on Saturday night at the Copperbox Arena.

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And speaking post-fight, the unbeaten southpaw turned his attention to an all-British showdown against the 2004 Olympic silver medallist at 160 pounds.

Saunders told reporters: “There’s some big names out there.

“Khan’s boxed before at 160, I’d love the Amir Khan fight, what a fight that would be.”

The last time the 30-year-old featured inside the ring was against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez at middleweight in May 2016.

However he suffered a devastating sixth round KO at the hands of the Mexican with the WBC and Ring Magazine belts on the line.

Saunders added: “He’s a very good name – I rate him – I’ve watched him for years, I know him and Kell Brook haven’t got it on, but if Khan’s looking for a big UK fight then I want to fight him.

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“I don’t call his name by being disrespectful to him, I call his name because I think he’s a good fighter.

“I’m willing if he wants to come to 160, he done it for Canelo, he might not think I’m a good fighter to Canelo and he’s got a good chance of winning the title at 160, I’d love the chance.”

Saunders’ trainer Dominic Ingle suggested after the Monroe Jr clash that he could even drop down to light-middleweight.

Khan recently revealed that he will retire from boxing in two years time – citing the hunger to win another world title as his motivation.