Former boxing world champion Billy Joe Saunders was involved in a brawl at a baby shower on November 27, 2021, at Poppy's Club in Bulkington, Warwickshire. During the incident, Saunders, 37, used a beer bottle as a weapon on three occasions. The altercation involved nine men and resulted in one individual being stabbed in the hand with a flick knife, while another was reportedly seen with a gun.
Witnesses reported that Saunders appeared intoxicated and made derogatory remarks towards Irish people. Earlier in the evening, a fight had occurred between two members of the group, but tensions had calmed before the brawl erupted shortly after midnight on November 28.
CCTV footage presented in court showed the initial confrontation leading to a larger brawl that spilled into the buffet area. Audie Knowles, another defendant, was seen striking another man with a bottle multiple times. Prosecutor Patrick Sullivan stated that Saunders was observed emptying a beer bottle near the bar to use it as a weapon and was seen wrestling with another man while attempting to strike him.
The judge sentenced Saunders to 15 months in jail, suspended for 18 months, noting his involvement was more serious than some of the other defendants due to his use of a bottle. The judge acknowledged that Saunders did not initiate the fight but became involved later.
Defending Saunders, Sebastian Gardiner explained that Saunders had experienced significant personal challenges following his loss to Canelo Alvarez in May 2021, which resulted in a serious injury and subsequent retirement from boxing. Gardiner stated that Saunders had struggled with alcohol and weight gain following his defeat.
The court heard that Saunders had since lost weight and resumed training, with plans to return to professional boxing. He was ordered to pay £1,000 in costs and a £1,000 fine, along with completing 200 hours of unpaid work over the next year.
Other defendants involved in the brawl received various sentences, including Knowles, who was sentenced to 15 months in prison, and Draper, who was given a 12-month suspended sentence. All five defendants pleaded guilty to violent disorder earlier this year.