There were claims today that Daniel Kinahan is taking a time out from his interests in boxing promotion. A leading executive at MTK Global claimed that the Dubliner will no longer be working in boxing just weeks after Kinahan's alleged links to organised crime became a massive talking point in both Ireland and the UK.
Bob Yalen, president of MTK Global - which was set up by Kinahan and boxer Matthew Macklin in 2012 under the name MGM - told The Athletic today that Kinahan is "going to be taking time away from the sport to focus on other interests."
The news comes not long after Kinahan's alleged links to organised crime in Ireland were discussed in the Dáil. Kinahan has no criminal record but the CAB claimed in the High Court that Kinahan 'controlled and managed' the operations of a criminal gang.
Yalen also launched a passionate defence of Kinahan's character:
"Hopefully this will put a stop to the negative press from Ireland that’s based entirely on hearsay. No court has ever found this man guilty of anything. The man has never been charged or convicted of a crime. The only basis for these allegations is the hearsay testimony of biased parties.
“And it’s unfortunate for his fighters that he’s taking this step back. But I respect his personal decision. He wants to do what’s right for the sport, he loves the fighters. But MTK will continue to secure the best, most lucrative deal for its fighters and ensure the biggest fights in the sports are made.”
Last week, Bob Arum told the Independent that Kinahan was no longer involved in negotiating the terms of the Joshua-Fury fight, and was no longer advising Tyson Fury. Fury however backed Kinahan for the office of 'Irish PM' in a post on Instagram Stories.
