Thursday 31 December 2015 16:30, UK
Billy Joe Saunders has welcomed the news that representatives of Gennady Golovkin are offering a unification fight.
The 26-year-old (23-0-KO12) became WBO world middleweight champion when he outpointed Andy Lee in Manchester on December 19 and is eyeing some lucrative clashes in 2016.
Perhaps the most lucrative of all would be a showdown with divisional kingpin Golovkin (34-0-KO31), who currently holds the WBA Super, IBF and WBC interim crowns and is regarded by many as the pound-for-pound king of the sport.
One thing I am is a fighting man. I wouldn't back down a fight from any man.
Saunders, who has already dismissed a challenge from former foe Chris Eubank Jr, is prepared to meet the 33-year-old Kazakh after learning that his team had already made contact and made a 'firm offer' of a unification clash.
Saunders said via social media: "People asking me about. GGG it's down to my management if I get the green light lets GO! [sic].
"One think I am is a fighting man I wouldn't back down a fight from any man [sic]."
Golovkin seemed equally enthusiastic over the possibility of a unification bout - but revealed newly-crowned WBC champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez is another target.
'Triple G' said via social media: "How about #GGGvsSaunder [sic] in April and #GGGvsCanelo in Sept sound? Gives Canelo some time to gain those 5 pounds."
Eubank Jr has previously expressed an interest in facing Golovkin and is also mandatory challenger to WBA champion Daniel Jacobs, but appears set to take on Nick Blackwell for the British title in his next bout.
