Eubank Jr. and Saunders to fight separate bouts on May 9; Prelude to rematch?

Chris Eubank Jr and Billy Joe Saunders will compete in separate bout on May 9 in London that may be the prelude to a rematch, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

While Saunders won a split decision against Eubank to retain his British, Commonwealth and European titles, it was Eubank who went on to stop Dimitry Chudinov in the 12th round in his next fight Feb. 28 to win an interim 160-pound title.

“Then I’ll see what Eubank Jr. has been up to and if he’s worthy of a shot at the world title. I did say I’d give him a rematch, but it will be completely on my terms. I’ve shut him up once and embarrassed him in front of the British public. Next time I’ll knock him out and leave him desperate. First thing for me is to get back in the ring and show that I’m ready to fight Lee or Quillin. I want that world title next, so whoever I face on May 9 is in for a lot of pain.”

“I’ll fight Average Joe anytime, anywhere, but he has to realize that I actually hold the WBA interim world title belt so that puts me above him, regardless of his close points decision over me,” Eubank said. “The judges believed that he won last time and that’s how they scored it, but look at how he did it. He chose to run and steal the rounds rather than stand and fight. I challenge him next time to stand toe to toe and fight, and let’s see how he fares in the center of the ring rather than running around it.

“I am the [interim] champion now, and I will look at him after I’ve defended my title against Sherrington, who I will not be overlooking. I will do my research on him and a plan to defeat him. Chudinov was dismantled from the opening round, and I will do the same to Sherrington.”