One of the hottest topics in combat sports this week is the relationship many top athletes have with the notorious Daniel Kinahan.
One of World’s most powerful boxers, Tyson Fury has recently been cornered over his association with Daniel Kinahan.
Kinahan had previously advised the careers of Tyson Fury and Darren Till but now he’s wanted by the US government. Kinahan is deeply entrenched in Combat sports having previously founded MTK Global promotion. He has a number of boxers and martial artists in his circle.
One of Kinahan’s most prestigious clients via MTK Global was the reigning WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury.
Kinahan has been named as a leader of the Kinahan organized crime group by the US Government and a $5 million reward is being offered for information leading to disruption of the Kinahan cartel or Kinahan’s arrest and conviction.
Another combat sports professional to give Kinahan a shout out was Mounir Lazzez – and he had to answer for it at the press conference. UFC refused to release a statement on the matter.
Darren Till is another of Kinahan’s mentees. But aside from his high profile ‘students’ Kinahan, previously founded MTK Global promotion.
MTK appears to be closing in the fall out from the FBI announcement.
And in a statement released during Tyson Fury’s press conference with Dillian Whyte, MTK Global said:
“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 difficult decision to cease operations at the end of this month.”
“MTK prospered because we always put the long term interests 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.”