A boxing promotion organisation formerly affiliated with with mobster Daniel Kinahan has released a statement condemning "death threats" and "personal attacks" targeting Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall following their fight last weekend.
MTK Global said they were "saddened and deeply concerned" to learn of abuse directed at the fighters, both of whom have no involvement in organised crime, after their undisputed super-lightweight showdown in Glasgow, which Taylor won in controversial circumstances.
Challenger Catterall claimed his dreams had been “stolen” after a split decision went the way of Taylor on Saturday night.
There was widespread surprise inside the Hydro arena when it was announced that the Scotsman had won a split decision to hold on to his belts.
Howard Foster scored it 113-112 in favour of Catterall with Victor Loughlin giving the fight to Taylor by the same scoreline and Ian John-Lewis awarding the Prestonpans fighter a 114-111 victory.
A statement from MTK Global read: "Following the Josh Taylor vs. Jack Catterall fight on Saturday, MTK Global is saddened and deeply concerned to learn of insults, personal attacks and even death threats targeting the fighters, their partners and their families. This has to stop immediately.
"Boxing has always been a sport that unites communities and supports one another and regardless of Saturday night’s outcome, both Josh and Jack respect each other as men, as athletes and as fans of the sport they have dedicated their lives to. Not only have they endured sacrifice and gruelling training camps away from their families and partners in the lead up to this bout, but their families have sacrificed for the sport too and we ask the public, and the boxing community to respect that and offer their support instead of fuelling an already extremely emotional situation.
"We ask you to remember that, no matter what the fighters, their teams, their peers, or fight fans believe the result should have been, the decision was not in their hands, but lay in the hands of judging officials and it is our understanding the British Boxing Board of Control are now conducting their own investigation, which we fully encourage.
"We have always been honoured to work with both Josh and Jack and are immensely proud of all that they have achieved over the years, both entering the ring as undefeated fighters and showing the world what home grown talent Scotland and England have to offer, and the fans who flocked in their droves to witness the very first UK unification fight in the history of boxing.
"MTK Global has always been a family and we ask you to support our family and their families as they look forward to what we know is going to be an incredible rematch in the very near future."
Kinahan's role as a fixer at the top level of the sport emerged when in 2020, two-time world champ Tyson Fury hailed the Dubliner for getting his fight deal against Anthony Joshua "over the line."
It was later claimed that Kinahan stood away from those talks in a deal which later collapsed.
However, he remains advising Fury who defends his world title against Dillian Whyte in April.
He was videoed with Fury in early February on the rooftop of the Shatha Tower in Dubai as a poem was read out in honour of the "Gypsy King" Fury.
In recent days Kinahan was pictured with Irish boxer Jono Carroll in the UAE.
Kinahan founded MTK, originally MGM, in 2012 alongside former pro boxer Matthew Macklin, who has no involvement in crime.
In 2017 the management firm claimed Kinahan stepped away.
But they then later admitted he remains advising a number of their fighters and has advised MTK to sign fighters, including Fury.
Kinahan has insisted he wants to play his part in "safeguarding the future" of boxing.
But the claim by the man named by cops as a senior figure in an organised crime cartel was slammed as "utterly galling."
The self-styled boxing "advisor" - who coincides his time in the game by running a global drugs and arms cartel worth an estimated €1billion - released a statement after questions were raised regarding the result of a boxing bout last weekend between two fighters he represents.
On Monday, the Fight Disciples Podcast raised concerns surrounding its result and on Kinahan himself, including on what influence he has on the sport and on individual fight results.
The two presenters, Adam Catteral and Nick Peet, also asked if he was washing his dirty cash through the boxing.
Kinahan issued a response on Tuesday morning through a fighter who acted as an intermediary between him and the podcast.
The cartel boss claimed the questions are "necessary and timely."
Drug pusher Kinahan went on to say: "Where unethical and corrupt practice exists, it's important to expose it.
"Some people have made serious allegations about my involvement in Saturday's fight. That is why I am happy to invite scrutiny. I've nothing to hide."
Kinahan - who resides in his Dubai bolthole after fleeing there in 2017 - also told how he was "proud" to represent both men who are also "personal friends."
And he continued: "I'll answer any questions asked of me and it is incumbent on others - advisors, managers, promotors, trainers and fighters - to do the same.
"Boxing needs to change and I want to play my part in safeguarding the future of the sport.
"Above all, we need greater transparency in decision making to ensure fairness for fighters and respect for fans."
Meanwhile, British boxing authorities have launched an investigation into the scoring of the Taylor v Catterall fight.
Earlier this week, Taylor reiterated his belief he was deserving of his win in an Instagram post on Monday evening but challenged Catterall to a rematch – albeit at welterweight after claiming he will soon be leaving the 140lb division.
“I have taken a few days for some well-earnt time with my family after not seeing them for a few months,” he said.
“I’ve had a chance to watch the fight back. First and foremost, I want to congratulate Jack Catterall on a great fight. He rose to the occasion and fought a valiant fight. However, I believe I won a very close fight.
“My days at 140 are numbered. My future is at welterweight. Jack Catterall deserves another title shot, and as soon as possible.
“I’ve never ducked a challenge in my career, and I’d be happy to fight Jack again, but it would have to be at welterweight. Jack is a great sportsman, a helluva fighter, and deserves every bit of the admiration he’s been receiving.”
Taylor also hit out at the criticism he says he and his family have endured since the bout.
“Many fans believe Jack deserved the decision, and that’s fine,” Taylor added. “We both went in there and fought our guts out for 12 rounds… but the personal attacks on myself and especially my family are disgusting and uncalled for.
“Fighting as the undisputed champion on Scottish soil was a dream come true, but I’m only getting started. I’ll be back and better than ever, this time ready to conquer the welterweight division.”
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