1. Gennady Golovkin

Billy Joe Saunders defended the WBO middleweight title in magnificent style against David Lemieux in Canada on Saturday. Not only would this be a unification for all four major titles but Saunders might just have the right elusive style to give “GGG” problems. But Golovkin’s attentions are surely focused on a lucrative rematch with Canelo Alvarez.

2. Canelo Alvarez

Golovkin is the number one in the middleweight division with three world titles. But Canelo is one of the biggest stars in the sport. Saunders efforts against Lemieux have done enough to convince the world that he deserves a shot at Canelo or Golovkin, but with those likely to be occupied with a rematch, Billy Joe might have to wait.

3. Danny Jacobs

If Saunders is waiting for the winner of Gennady Golovkin-Canelo Alvarez to emerge from their expected rematch, Danny Jacobs proved himself one of the best middleweights in the world running Gennady Golovkin close earlier in 2017.

4. Chris Eubank Jr

Saunders has beaten Eubank before but Chris Jr’s profile has grown and grown in the intervening years. Eubank Jr is involved in the World Boxing Super Series and fights Groves in February 2018. But there will always been an interest in a rematch.

Billy Joe Saunders

5. Ryota Murata

The Japanese Olympic gold medallist is a rough, tough customer. He should be a high level opponent against whom Saunders would expect to look good against.