The World Boxing Organisation called a purse bid for the contest to be staged on July 25. However, UK promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren, usually fierce rivals, amazingly managed to reach an agreement late on.
WBO President Paco Valcarcel then called off the bids, with Hearn said to offered Saunders a tidy sum to face Andrade on his new DAZN platform stateside.
“I have been informed that @MatchroomBoxing and @frankwarren_tv have agreed on Saunders v. Andrade. Therefore there is no need for the bid process.@CarlMoretti was here representing @trboxing,” revealed Valcarcel.
Speaking on the matter themselves, those involved were looking forward to the build-up already.
“Purse bid called off. Delighted to reach a deal for @bjsaunders_ to defend his WBO World Middleweight Title against @BooBooAndrade in America,” pointed out Frank Warren’s social media account.
“Delighted to agree on terms for @BooBooAndrade to challenge @bjsaunders_ for the WBO World title. Full details coming soon,” said Hearn on behalf of Matchroom USA.
Saunders himself stated: “Earn with Hearn. Your man is getting spanked,” in response.
The fight itself is already being rumored to occur on October 20, potentially in Providence, Rhode Island. It would give Andrade a home advantage for his maiden bout under Hearn’s stewardship.
Saunders has impressed away from home recently when defeating David Lemieux last December on Canadian soil. The media largely recognized the victory as one of the best performances by a British fighter outside the UK in some time.
More details are emerging regarding the encounter – with Sky Sports taking TV coverage in the UK, meaning Saunders will fight off Warren’s own TV base with BT Sport in a one-off showpiece event.
Hearn’s snatching of Saunders v Andrade is the second huge clash confirmed for his new DAZN streaming arrangement following Anthony Joshua v Alexander Povetkin’s announcement on July 17.
The Essex man has promised a lot more is to come after revealing his initial signings at a New York press conference.
