Billy Joe Saunders: Title fight against Martin Murray ‘like boxing in a cemetery’

Champion: Billy Joe Saunders

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Billy Joe Saunders said his unanimous points win against Martin Murray at the Wembley Arena, which saw him retain his WBO super-middleweight title, was "like boxing in a cemetery."

The 31-year-old made easy work of his opponent, in what was his first fight in a year, with the title bout taking place behind closed doors due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions.

Murray went down under a barrage of punches in the fourth round, but appeared to have lost his balance and no knockdown was given.

Saunders, who reiterated his desire for a blockbusting fight with Mexico's Saul Canelo Alvarez, extended his unbeaten record to 30-0 to join Josh Warrington as the current British boxer with the longest unbeaten run.

"I've been out over a year now and it's like boxing in a cemetery," Saunders told Sky Sports. "I like to perform for the crowd, get up for it.

"Tonight I tried to set a rhythm, but he's a cunning old fox. He knows how to tie you up well.

"It's not a performance I'm going to be shouting people's names about because I've been out a year and I probably needed the rounds to be honest with you.

"He got through it, so fair play to him. I hope he has a good Christmas and he can go back to his family."