MTK Global, boxing company founded by suspected crime boss Kinahan, folds

MTK Global, the boxing management company founded by the alleged Irish gangster Daniel Kinahan, has ceased operations.

The group – which represents more than 200 fighters – announced on Wednesday that it was closing at the end of the month after what it described as “unfair scrutiny” since the US Government sanctions on Kinahan. The Irishman has no criminal convictions and has always denied any wrongdoing.

The statement read: “As a business we have faced unprecedented levels of unfair scrutiny and criticism since the sanctioning by the US government of Daniel Joseph Kinahan.

“It is a matter of public record that Mr Kinahan’s involvement in MTK ceased in 2017, and despite repeated reassurances in this regard, unfounded allegations about his ongoing association with us and our fighters persist.

“Since leading promoters have now informed us that they will be severing all ties with MTK and will no longer work with our fighters, we have taken the difficuly decision to cease operations at the end of this month.

“MTK prospered because we always put the long term interest of our fighters at the heart of what we do. Our priority in the weeks ahead will be to ensure that our world class boxers are supported to find new partnerships as swiftly as possible.

“MTK gyms are operated independently so will remain open for the foreseeable future. Further announcements will be made in due course. Thank you to all the fans who have supported us over the last decade.”