Billy had "it" But getting himself in bother outside of the ring, blowing up between fights, inactivity.........it will all come into play when your competing at the top level. " IF " he could've been a gym rat and lived the life, then the sky would've been the limit. Pure natural ability.
I like BJS. I think Canelo put shadow over him. But he was very good. He schooled Lemieux like no other. He was doing very good against Canelo until the uppercut. Canelo failed drug test before and he hits abnormally hard at this weight. Boxing is what it is but on the skills level I think BJS is up there with the best.
This. Was he a solid fighter with some craft? Certainly. But if his name was Billy Joe Saunderov and he hailed from Eastern Europe, as opposed to the hype-prone UK, it's doubtful any Brit would be lamenting "what might have been." He is what he is.
Will he ever fight again? Not sure if the pics on the web are real but he would be a good match for Andy Ruiz if they are.
this . With feathers in your fist you have a limit. No matter your name or your weight or your skill. Once you reach certain level you HAVE TO keep your oponents honest. Not optional. Same goes to chin, when you reach certain level you need a bare minimum chin, because during the fight you will get clocked yes, yes or yes. Nevertheless BJS didnt have this problem.
Could have beat Canelo if he kept busy & fought him in 17/18. But he lacked the commitment and activity so Canelo sling shotted in front of him. It's a shame but at least it was no surprise.