BBBofC Suspends Billy Joe Saunders For Woman Beating Video!
Well as the days continue to go passed, the water continues to get hotter for WBO world super middleweight champion “Superb” Billy Joe Saunders (29-0, 14 KO’s).
Recently, the fun loving champion made international news for all the wrong reasons. In an attempt to be humorous, Superb posted a video clip of himself instructing men on how to properly and efficiently knockout their nagging wives, girlfriends and boo’s during the lockdown mandated by the COVID19 pandemic.
As could only be expected there was a tremendous and immediate negative backlash to the dimwitted video. News publications, fighters and fans all came out the woodwork to condemn Saunders for his foolhardy act. The reprimands became so intense and persistent that Saunders was compelled to make a formal public apology. Well, it seems that his apology was not enough to avert receiving a formal punishment.
SAUNDERS SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY
Once confronted with the tasteless video footage the British Boxing Board of Control (BBB of C) decided to levy a formal punishment against Superb.
So, for the moment, Saunders has had his license suspended until further notice. The duration of this suspension will be determined at an upcoming hearing as was outlined in a formal statement by the BBB of C.
“The British Boxing Board of Control having considered comments made by Billy Joe Saunders on social media have suspended his boxer’s licence pending a hearing under the board’s misconduct regulation, at a time and venue to be confirmed as soon as possible.”
British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC)
DID HE BLOW THE BAG??
The timing of this suspension could not come at a worse point because throughout the boxing industry many believe that Saunders was going to be the next in line to face WBA super world middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KO’s).
Not only is there the chance to knock the division jumping champion off his pedestal, Saunders would have no doubt received a substantial payday for facing Alvarez in the squared-circle.
Now we will all have to wait and see how this situation and the suspension play’s out. Perhaps it will not affect anything whatsoever. On the other hand this suspension could keep him on the sidelines past the point that Team Alvarez is willing to wait and therefore invalidate Superb as a potential Canelo opponent.
Even his own promoter Eddie Hearn, of Matchroom Promotion, could not readily defend Saunders actions.
“I was appalled. It was so idiotic. It was so frustrating because I know Billy well; it’s one step forward, four steps back with Billy Joe Saunders and it is frustrating.
“You just can’t do it, especially when you’re in your position. It’s unacceptable for Joe Bloggs down the street to do it. It’s much more unacceptable for a world champion boxer to be doing it.
“Thinking you’re having a laugh, or not having a laugh, young people are watching that video. People who are in abusive relationships are watching that video. You cannot do it, it’s unacceptable.”
Eddie Hearn – Matchroom Boxing
“First of all, I’ve apologized on social media and I just want to say sorry again for everyone I’ve offended.
“I looked at it as a bit of a joke at first – I obviously wasn’t thinking right – but looking back at it now I can clearly see the destruction it has caused among the women suffering from domestic violence.
“It was a silly mistake but I didn’t intentionally mean to cause harm to anyone and I certainly wouldn’t promote domestic violence.
“There are people dying all around the world with coronavirus and I tried to take the heat off that a little bit by cheering everybody up – but it clearly hasn’t done it. My sense of humor is not everyone’s cup of tea.
“I can only take it back and apologize for it. I’ve spoken to my manager and among other things I will be donating £25,000 to support domestic violence charities.
“It is clearly a silly thing to do and I can’t take it back.”
Billy Joe Saunders – WBO Super Middleweight Champion
At this point we all are playing the waiting game and will have to sit tight and see how this needless situation ultimately resolves itself.
Stay tuned to 3kingsboxing for all the latest boxing news and updates.
By: Bakari Simpson
