In a shocking turn for the boxing world, Andrew Bulcroft, better known as Stefy Bull, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to supply cocaine.
The 48-year-old trainer and manager, once celebrated for his work with world-class fighters, now faces a significant stretch behind bars.
Court Proceedings and Guilty Verdict
Bulcroft had been remanded in custody on February 28 after being accused of buying “significant amounts” of cocaine under the alias “Yummycub” using the encrypted phone network Encrochat.
Despite denying the charges, a jury at Sheffield Crown Court delivered a unanimous guilty verdict after a four-day trial in June.
His co-defendant, Benjamin Williams, also received a 10-year sentence but had his punishment reduced by 15% due to an early guilty plea.
Williams, who admitted to multiple drug offenses and possessing criminal property, was released on conditional bail ahead of his sentencing.
Bulcroft’s sentencing, originally scheduled for May, had been delayed due to the availability of his legal team.
When Judge Hampton handed down the sentence, he acknowledged Bulcroft’s expressions of remorse but highlighted the seriousness of his offenses.
Judge Highlights High Stakes and Betrayal
“Just as you chanced your arm at trial, you chanced your arm at offending,” Judge Hampton remarked.
While recognizing Bulcroft’s positive contributions to boxing, the judge emphasized that his involvement in drugs “utterly betrayed” the good he had done.
Attempts to blame financial pressures during the coronavirus lockdown were dismissed as “scant mitigation,” with the judge insisting that both Bulcroft and Williams were solely responsible for their actions.
How the Drug Operation Worked
The court heard that Bulcroft and Williams used Encrochat to communicate and purchase drugs from Christopher and Jonathan McAllister, who had previously been jailed for supplying Class A drugs.
Bulcroft reportedly coordinated with an unidentified contact in Spain to buy cocaine priced at up to £37,000 per kilo.
Authorities discovered £84,000 in cash, £9,500 worth of cocaine, and £105 of cannabis when Williams was arrested at his home in June 2020.
Messages exchanged on Encrochat between March and May 2020 reportedly linked “Yummycub” directly to Bulcroft, including instructions to meet at locations matching his gym and home addresses.
Despite claiming one of his fighters might have used the alias, Bulcroft did not identify any other suspect, and there is no evidence of wrongdoing among the boxers he trained.
Boxing Career Overshadowed
Before his conviction, Bulcroft had an impressive career in boxing.
He fought Amir Khan in 2007 and went on to train and manage several elite fighters, including three-weight world champion Terri Harper.
He also guided ex-world champion Jamie McDonnell, Maxi Hughes, and Jason Cunningham.
Although Harper defended her WBO lightweight title in May, Bulcroft was notably absent from her corner during the fight.
His promising career, which once elevated local talent and shaped world-class boxers, now comes with a stark warning about the dangers of crossing the line into criminal activity.
Serving Time
Both Bulcroft and Williams appeared in court via video link from HMP Doncaster.
They were informed they would serve up to 40% of their sentences in prison before being considered for release.
As a former professional boxer turned trainer, Bulcroft’s fall from grace serves as a cautionary tale for the boxing community and beyond.