Kylian Binard, a 17-year-old amateur boxing champion from Normandy, France, died after being stabbed outside a nightclub in Subles, near Bayeux, early Sunday morning, September 29.
The incident occurred in the parking lot of the Octavia nightclub around 6:40 a.m. A 24-year-old suspect, identified as Nasser Bekaddour, an Algerian migrant, was apprehended by nightclub security and held until police arrived.
Bekaddour is accused of stabbing Binard multiple times in the throat and back after a fight broke out as the two were leaving the club. Despite immediate attempts to save his life, Binard died at the scene.
Joel Garrigue, Caen’s public prosecutor, confirmed that an investigation is underway. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from the nightclub to determine the exact circumstances leading to the attack.
According to the nightclub owner, both Binard and Bekaddour were first-time visitors to the venue. They were among the last two groups to leave that night. The owner stated there had been no prior altercations between the pair that would have alerted security staff.
Binard, a member of the Saint-Lois Boxing Club, was a rising star in the local boxing scene. He had competed in eight fights, winning six, and held the title of Normandy champion in the Espoir category.
Jean Metay, Binard’s trainer, paid tribute to the young athlete by posting a picture of the two online. The local boxing community has been deeply affected by the loss of the promising young boxer.
The incident reportedly stemmed from an accidental spilled drink inside the nightclub. Despite apologies being offered, the situation escalated into a physical confrontation in the parking lot, where Binard was stabbed.
In response to Binard’s death, a silent march took place on October 2 in Saint-Lô.
The suspect, Bekaddour, remains in police custody as authorities continue their inquiries.
This incident has shocked the tight-knit boxing community in Normandy, with many expressing disbelief at the turn of events. The Saint-Lois Boxing Club, where Binard trained, described the loss as devastating.
The boxing world has seen other recent tragedies, including the shooting death of 31-year-old professional boxer Mylik Birdsong in Los Angeles on October 1. Birdsong was killed just weeks before he was scheduled to appear on a UFC card.
As the community mourns the loss of Kylian Binard, friends, family, and fans remember him as a dedicated athlete with a bright future ahead. The impact of his death extends beyond the boxing ring, touching the lives of many in the Normandy region and the broader sporting community.