Former two division world champion and Golden Boy Promotions executive, Bernard Hopkins, gave a harsh warning that Billy Joe Saunders may never get offered another crack at Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

Saunders was approached about the scenario of defending his WBO super middleweight title against Canelo in September.

The unbeaten Brit was not happy with the money being offered and he was equally upset with not having enough time to properly prepare for the fight.

Golden Boy guides the career of Canelo and they are trying to secure the Mexican superstar a serious opponent for the fall date.

And because he took a pass on the fight – Hopkins is unsure if Saunders will ever get offered another chance with Canelo in the future.

“You should always be prepared,” Hopkins told Sky Sports. “[I was surprised Saunders needed more time to prepare], because Billy Joe Saunders is not a rookie in the game. Billy Joe Saunders has been in some highlighted moments. He understands, he had a taste of the high level.”

“He missed out and there’s no guarantee, especially in the world of boxing, that Billy [Joe] Saunders will get a call from anybody, pertaining a world champion, the biggest spotlight you can get – pandemic or not – opportunity.”

Canelo has been out of the ring since November, when he decided to move up by two weight divisions to scored a knockout of Sergey Kovalev to capture the WBO light heavyweight title. Canelo vacated the title not long after.

Canelo’s next fight will happen at the super middleweight limit of 168-pounds.

Hopkins does not expect an easy opponent.

“It has to be someone that will keep him honest, because you want to make a statement every time at that level where Canelo is at,” Hopkins said.