WBO middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders has been cleared to fight following a recent British Boxing Board of Control hearing.
Saunders was hauled in front of the BBBofC due to a video posted online showing the Hatfield man in a bad light.
The 29 year-old was shown in a precarious exchange with an unnamed man and woman. Saunders was accused of offering to sell drugs for sex.
Despite the risk of having his license revoked, WBN understands Saunders has been given a fine and a warning. This means he’s free to compete on the forthcoming October 20 bill in Boston.
Demetrius Andrade, the undefeated mandatory challenger to Saunders’ title, will be in the opposite corner at the TD Garden.
Apologizing immediately for his behaviour, Saunders will be able to continue his career. Another chance has been granted by the Board and Saunders will be back in action in the coming weeks.
“Billy Joe Saunders appeared before the Stewards of the British Boxing Board of Control today under a misconduct charge following his recent behaviour shown on social media,” The British Boxing Board of Control said in a statement.
“The Stewards have found Mr. Saunders guilty of bringing the sport of Boxing into disrepute and have fined him the sum of £100,000 and issued a severe reprimand as to his future conduct.
“All monies will go to the BBBofC charity to assist ex-boxers and ex- license holders who have fallen on hard times.”
LEMIEUX
In his last outing, Saunders completely dominated David Lemieux in Canada in a triumph which improved his stock considerably across the Atlantic.
Signed to Frank Warren, Saunders will appear on rival promoter Eddie Hearn’s new DAZN platform in the United States after the Matchroom boss won the purse bid.
It’s not yet been confirmed whether Sky Sports will broadcast the fight in the UK.Holding a 26-0 record, a win could place Saunders in pole position to face Canelo Alvarez in 2019.
For Andrade, many see the 25-0 American as the toughest test for Saunders since Chris Eubank Jr.
Eubank came on strong in 2014 meeting with Saunders but was denied by a slow start and a split decision on the scorecards.
A rematch between the pair is still said to be on the cards at some point in the future.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
