WBC boss Mauricio Sulaiman denies link to Tyson Fury’s ex-advisor Daniel Kinahan

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman says he has “at no time” had any relationship with alleged crime boss Daniel Kinahan, who has acted as an advisor to world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in the past.

Kinahan was last week named as being a head of the Irish Kinahan crime gang and hit with worldwide financial sanctions by the United States Government.

Sulaiman said in a statement on Monday: “Whilst visiting Dubai recently I was introduced to Daniel Kinahan, who has since been placed on a sanctions list by the US Treasury Department, concerning alleged links to drug crimes.

“This has generated speculation and attacks on myself and the WBC.

“I therefore feel it necessary to make it clear that at no time have we had any relationship with Daniel Kinahan.

“The World Boxing Council deals solely and exclusively with boxing promoters and only they maintain commercial relations in the certification of fights for our titles.

“The WBC has had for many years a large number of social responsibility campaigns focused on the prevention and awareness of the dangers of drug use. We have a wonderful programme of talks given by a former DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) agent, Rocky Herron, who reaches thousands of people with his presentations.

“We have rescued many boxers and members of the boxing community around the world from the demons of addiction and we openly and constantly support rehabilitation clinics such as those of Julio Cesar Chavez and Aaron Silva, among others.

“I made an innocent mistake, due to absolute ignorance of the situation.

“In this way, I confirm that the World Boxing Council and all its members absolutely reject any action that is detrimental to human beings and we will continue, as always, in total