Boxing rising star Billy Joe Saunders -- who's supposed to fight Canelo Alvarez in May -- has been hit with a suspension after posting a controversial video on social media where he talks about hitting women.
The 30-year-old WBO super middleweight champ claims the video was meant to be a joke and since apologized for it, but the British Boxing Board of Control quickly decided to hand down the indefinite punishment.
"I just wanted to make a little video for all you dads, husbands, if you’ve got girlfriends etcetera," Saunders said in his video.
Fight fans are angry over Billy Joe Saunders post video on how to hit women... pic.twitter.com/l0LCXW0qZ1
— The Glove Touch (@ThatlongSchlong) March 29, 2020
"Obviously this COVID-19 is getting very serious and we are isolated away in tight spaces. If your old woman is giving you a little bit of mouth and you try to be patient, you try to be calm, cool, but after the 7th day or 6th day you’re just about to explode."
Yeah, the BBBOC didn't find it funny. At all.
"The British Boxing Board of Control having considered comments made by Billy Joe Saunders on social media have suspended his boxer’s license pending a hearing under the Board’s misconduct regulation, at a time and venue to be confirmed as soon as possible." the org. said in a statement.
The video got the attention of boxing superstar Claressa Shields, who clapped back with her OWN advice video -- explaining how to fight someone who comes at you like Billy Joe suggested.
Video for all the women in abusive relationships! This a tutorial on what to do when your boyfriend, husband or any man tries to put his hands on you! #DefenseMechanism ! Thank me later pic.twitter.com/FaAXWkYOm6
— ClaressaT-rexShields (@Claressashields) March 29, 2020
"Hit them as hard as you can in the nuts," Shields said.
Saunders (29-0) has a reputation for posting controversial videos on his social media ... but considering this situation may ruin that massive Canelo payday, he should probably just quarantine and chill for a while.