Billy Joe Saunders fined £15,000 for video ‘encouraging domestic abuse’

The WBO super-middleweight world champion was suspended by the Board four months ago

Billy Joe Saunders has been fined £15,000 for a video that appeared to incite domestic violence.

A video surfaced on social media of the WBO super-middleweight world champion “advised” men “how to hit” their female partners during lockdown. The 30-year-old, who maintained the video was a joke, was suspended by the British Boxing Board before finally arriving at a decision over his punishment four months later, with Saunders appearing before stewards on Wednesday.

In the clip, Saunders could be seen hitting a punch bag and explaining how to respond if “your old woman is giving you mouth” and “she’s coming at you, spitting a bit of venom in your face”. Saunders then described how to “hit her on the chin” and “finish her off”.

A statement on behalf of the Board read: “Billy Joe Saunders appeared before Stewards of the Board on Wednesday, 22nd July 2020 due to recent comments made on Social Media.

“Following consideration of Mr. Saunders’ explanation, the Stewards found Mr. Saunders guilty of misconduct and have fined him £15,000.00p to be donated to charities.

“The suspension of his boxer’s license has been lifted.”