Billy Joe Saunders called out Gennady Golovkin after outclassing David Lemieux to defend his WBO middleweight title.

Saunders comfortably outpointed hometown favourite Lemieux in his Quebec backyard to win by a unanimous decision and extend his unbeaten record to 26-0.

The 28-year-old was far too good for Lemieux and says he now wants Golovkin, who holds all the other middleweight world titles.

He said: “Golovkin, you kept saying you wanted my WBO belt when I was 14 stone, out of shape and wasn’t in love with boxing. Then you wanted to fight me. Fight me now.

Saunders and Lemieux face off (
Image:
Twitter/)
Saunders celebrates his victory (
Image:
Twitter/)

“Now fight me, because we’ll be seeing a different story. You’ll be punching fresh air.”

Saunders would also love a shot at Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and his promoter Golden Boy was behind Saturday’s show.

The Traveller has offered to remain in Canada to negotiate with Golden Boy and said: “This was the last step towards them in my eyes.

“I’m ready to rock ’n’ roll whenever they are.”

Saunders was undaunted about facing Lemieux in front of his home fans and the classy southpaw dominated their clash, winning 120-108, 117-11 and 118-110 on the judges’ scorecards.

Golovkin has all the middleweight titles apart from the WBO one held by Saunders (
Image:
AFP)

He was cheered on by pals Tyson Fury and Kell Brook, and claims he spared Lemieux an even bigger beating because trainer Dominic Ingle told him to take his time.

“I like going to somebody’s backyard because I perform better,” he said.

“I’m a whole different animal now.

“When I hurt David, I wanted to put it on him. I really did, but that’s what I pay my trainer Dominic Ingle to do. I went to put it on him, but he told me to take my time and that was the best advice.”

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