On January 27, police arrested a 54-year-old woman and two men, aged 33 and 23, in Kings Norton and Longbridge. This action followed reports of suspicious betting activity tied to a boxing match.
The UK Gambling Commission, alongside West Midlands Police, is leading the investigation, which alleges that the three individuals breached Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005. This section identifies offences related to cheating at gambling or assisting others in cheating.
Those convicted of such violations face possible prison sentences of up to two years, in addition to monetary fines.
The Commission issued a statement on its website, indicating that it would refrain from further comments while the investigation is ongoing.
In recent months, the UK has seen several match-fixing incidents. In November, professional snooker player Mark King received a five-year suspension from the sport after the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association found him guilty of match-fixing and supplying inside information. The following month, the UK Darts Regulation Authority imposed bans on players Billy Warriner and Leighton Bennett for admitting to match-fixing. Warriner was banned for ten years, while Bennett was suspended for eight years; both were also ordered to pay £8,100 (€9,762/$10,271) in costs.
Boxing has also faced scrutiny over match-fixing claims. Last year, promoter Eddie Hearn announced the cancellation of a fight between Kane Baker and Aqib Fiaz just hours before it was scheduled, citing irregular betting activity connected to that bout. An investigation by the British Boxing Board of Control led to Fiaz being fined for breaching the board’s rules on betting in October.
Additionally, in 2024, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario directed its licensees to cease accepting bets on World Boxing Association events due to match-fixing concerns.
