Billy Joe Saunders dismisses Hassan N'Dam challenge
Thursday 29 September 2016 15:53, UK
Billy Joe Saunders has ridiculed the idea of defending his WBO world middleweight title against former interim champion Hassan N'Dam.
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Saunders (23-0-KO12) is yet to make a defence of the title he won by outpointing Andy Lee in December 2015 but is on the hunt for an opponent for October 22.
N'Dam (34-2-KO20), who took advantage of rule changes to represent Cameroon at the Rio Olympics only to be beaten in the opening round, had thrown down the gauntlet by calling out the British fighter.
"I don't think we will fight because I think he fears me and wants to take easy option for that fight," N'Dam told World Boxing News.
"I think today Saunders wants to just have easy opponents. But when we go around saying we are a champion, we must face the real boxers who can give you a headache."
Saunders was quick to return fire, stating: "I would not entertain Hassam N'Dam because he just got beat in the amateurs!
"Let's face it, N'Dam is a low-level fighter who needs to wake up and earn his cash. He's probably going to be 50 and still trying to get cash out the game. I handle my boxing so it can take me to a better life for my sons, not for anyone else.
"N'Dam wants to talk to try and talk himself into a fight with me, but the fact is he got knocked out in the first round of the Olympics. If he would have won the gold medal he might have been in the running but not now."
N'Dam fought for a world title as recently as June 2015 but was knocked down several times and outpointed by David Lemieux with the IBF crown on the line.
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