Former World Champion Boxing Trainer 'Stefy Bull' Sentenced to Decade in Cocaine Conspiracy

A former British boxing champion turned elite trainer, Andrew Bulcroft—known in the ring as "Stefy Bull"—has been sentenced to a decade behind bars after being convicted of drug conspiracy charges. The 48-year-old, who once challenged Amir Khan in a high-profile 2007 bout, was found guilty of orchestrating a cocaine supply network using encrypted communications on the Encrochat platform, according to court reports.

Bulcroft, who held the British lightweight title during his competitive career, faced Sheffield Crown Court trials earlier this year. Prosecutors revealed he operated under the alias "Yummycub" to coordinate deals for large quantities of the drug. Despite denying involvement, the jury unanimously rejected his defense, which claimed the pseudonym belonged to one of his trainees who occasionally stayed at his home.

Co-defendant Benjamin Williams, 42, saw his sentence reduced by 15% to eight years and six months after admitting guilt midway through proceedings. Judge Peter Hampton condemned both men for their "ruthless pursuit of profit" and stated there was "minimal justification" for their actions, emphasizing the scale of their criminal activity.

Bulcroft’s fall from grace marks a stark contrast to his early success in boxing. With a professional record of 29 wins, 7 losses, and 1 draw, he retired in 2010 to focus on mentoring talent in Yorkshire. His pupils included Terri Harper, a three-division world champion, and Jamie McDonnell, a former bantamweight titleholder. However, his legacy is now overshadowed by the drug trafficking conviction.

Following the sentencing, the British Boxing Board of Control Central Area Council announced it would reassess Bulcroft’s coaching, managerial, and promotional licenses. The case highlights growing scrutiny of organized crime infiltration in sports circles, with Encrochat—a now-defunct encrypted messaging service—linked to multiple high-profile drug operations.

Bulcroft’s arrest adds to a turbulent chapter in boxing history, as the sport continues to grapple with figures who straddle the line between athletic achievement and illicit activity. His decade-long prison term underscores the judiciary’s stance on drug-related offenses, even among those celebrated for their contributions to sports.