The British Boxing Board of Control have called WBO Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders to a hearing next week after video surfaced of the fighter taunting a drug addict and persuading her to punch another member of the public in the face.
Billy Joe Saunders is scheduled to defend his world title in Boston next month against Demetrius Andrade but he must first attend the meeting with the board in which he is expected to receive a fine, although there are many who believe he should be facing a much worse punishment for his reprehensible behaviour.
‘The British Boxing Board of Control are aware of a video featuring WBO Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders and have called Mr. Saunders to appear before the Stewards of the Board on a misconduct charge next week,’ wrote the Board when confirming the charge.
It is not the first time Saunders has courted controversy in recent months; a few weeks ago he was filmed throwing chicken at WBC Champion Deontay Wilder whilst in a Nandos restaurant in Belfast before another video was released of he and Kid Galahad taunting another member of the public.
The police are now investigating the matter, as reported in the Daily Mail: “Officers will be looking to identify and speak to all of those who feature in this sickening video. A full investigation will be carried out into the number of offences that have been captured on film, including the offer to supply Class A drugs, aiding and abetting an assault, assault and public order offences.
“Incidents of this nature will not be tolerated in Nottinghamshire, and we would urge anyone who witnessed this incident, or who has any further information about those responsible to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Nottinghamshire Police, quoting incident 887 of 17 September.”
Whatever the outcome of Saunders’ hearing it is clear that the fighter’s actions and behaviour need to be remedied and very quickly. His reputation and stock have taken a massive hit due to these disgusting acts and all those associated with him should also be exploring every avenue to right these wrongs.
Saunders has since made a public apology.
