Boxing trainer and manager Stefy Bull found guilty of drug charges

Bull, who enjoyed success as a trainer, manager, and promoter, has been remanded in custody since February 28 and was convicted at Sheffield Crown Court by a jury. 

Bull, whose real name is Andrew Bulcroft, used the Encrochat encrypted phone network to buy “significant amounts” of cocaine under the pseudonym “Yummycub”. Bull denied the charges but a jury delivered a unanimous verdict after a four-day trial. He will remain in custody and is due to be sentenced on August 26. 

Prosecutor Sam Ponnian told jurors that police had discovered messages between Bull and Christopher and Jonathan McAllister, who were jailed in 2022 for importing Class A drugs. The messages, which contained conversations about buying kilos of cocaine at “around £38,000 [approx $51,000] a go” were exchanged between March and May 2020.

Bull, 48, is well regarded in the British boxing industry. The former Central Area lightweight champion last fought in 2010 when he lost to Curtis Woodhouse, a defeat that came three years after being beaten by an up-and-coming Amir Khan. He retired with a record of 29-7-1 (7 KOs) before focusing on the development of others. 

Bull became a prolific promoter on the British small hall circuit but it is his work as a trainer for which he is best known after guiding the careers of Terri Harper, Jamie McDonnell, Maxi Hughes and Jason Cunningham. His arrest came six days after one of the fighters he managed, Josh Padley, lost in nine rounds to Shakur Stevenson out in Saudi Arabia as a late replacement. Bull was instrumental in securing that deal for his charge. 

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing from any of the fighters associated with Bull.