Former world champion Billy Joe Saunders prosecuted after beer bottle attack during baby shower brawl

Former boxing world champion Billy Joe Saunders has avoided immediate jail time after being involved in a violent brawl at a baby shower in Warwick. The 37-year-old was one of several men involved in the incident at Poppy’s Club in Bulkington on November 27, 2021.Saunders used a bottle to assault people during the fight, which later became a serious court case. Warwick Crown Court heard that one man was stabbed through the hand with a flick knife. Another person was allegedly seen carrying a gun. Saunders has now been handed a suspended prison sentence along with a fine and unpaid work.Billy Joe Saunders receives suspended sentence after violent brawlSaunders was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to pay £1,000 ($1.3K) in costs and a £1,000 fine. He must complete 200 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months.The court heard that nine men were involved in what was described as a “very violent” fight.The incident began earlier in the evening when two members of the group became involved in an argument. The situation then escalated again after midnight.Saunders did not initially join the fight. However, the judge said the former boxer became considerably involved after entering the brawl later.The judge said, “You were a boxer of some skill and repute at the Olympics and as a professional. You were involved in this (brawl) at a more serious level than three of those with you today (in the dock), as you used a bottle and were considerably involved in this offence, but I bear in mind you did not dive in at the outset, you got involved a little later.”A witness told the court that Saunders was “drunk, drinking a lot” during the event. The witness also claimed that the former fighter had been “derogatory” towards Irish people.Saunders’ lawyer, Sebastian Gardiner, told the court that his client’s life had spiralled after his defeat by Canelo Alvarez in May 2021.Gardiner said Saunders’ “world was tumbling down” at the time. He also said it was “an incident that took place at a time where he was extremely low, he had been drinking for the first time in his adult life.”The judge also said that Saunders’ experience as a professional boxer meant he “should be able to manage his feelings in a way others can’t”.The latest case adds to a difficult period away from boxing for the former champion. In 2024, Saunders was arrested over hare-coursing offences and was filmed directing a foul-mouthed rant at police. He later pleaded guilty to trespassing with dogs and being equipped for searching for or pursuing hares with dogs.In 2020, Saunders was fined £150K ($200K) over a video that appeared to condone domestic violence. Two years earlier, the British Boxing Board of Control fined him £100,000 ($132K) over another controversial video involving drugs and a sex act.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.