Billy Joe Saunders has returned to training ahead of a potential comeback - and has piled on the weight since his last outing.
Saunder has not fought since last May when he s uffered a fractured orbital in stoppage defeat by Canelo Alvarez when attempting to unify at 168lb. It was Saunders' first loss in his career to date, and he elected to take time out of the ring without quite announcing his retirement.
However it now appears the 33-year-old is ready to make a ring return a nd has began training in the hope of finding an opponent for next year. Footage has emerged of Saunders in action during a pad session where he is seen to have a much bulkier frame than usual, having piled on the pounds during his time away from the squared circle.
A whole host of options will likely present themselves if Saunders is able to return to the top level immediately including a highly-coveted rematch against Chris Eubank Jr and a sequel against British counterpart John Ryder. Saunders revealed that he was getting "itchy fists" and has decided to try and get back in shape to open up avenues to a return.
"I have enjoyed a bit of down time and had a nice year out," Saunders told Matchroom Boxing when teasing a comeback to the ring. "I am getting a bit bored and I have got itchy fists so decided to do a little bit of training to shift some timber to see where the road will take me. Life is okay, I went for my check-ups to my doctor and he was happy.
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"The first thing is obviously your health. It is pointless boxing whatever you are boxing for whether it is millions or just a pound to come back if thats not in check, and if I decide, which it is looking like I will, to come back then I can. It is nice to enjoy a bit of training, and it is nice to have a clear head and to see where I want to go rather than have defences and stuff and go where other people want me to go.
"I think this year is definitely marketable for myself. I am in the gym now going twice a day and the weight is coming off and I am getting fitter by the day. It could be at the end of the year or it could be early next year but we will soon find out. It all depends on what opponent is available."
