UFC welterweight Mounir Lazzez caused controversy by praising alleged gang leader Daniel Kinahan just days after the US government placed a $5million bounty on his head.
Lazzez out-pointed Ange Loosa in Las Vegas on Saturday night before taking to the microphone to say: "I would love to thank my coaches and my brother Daniel Kinahan. Without him I would never be the man who I am today and my career at this point. Thanks a lot."
Kinahan was among seven men named last week as allegedly being part of a crime gang. A major unprecedented joint action by American, Irish and British authorities has targeted the international cartel as part of its efforts to dismantle it.
US ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin said the American authorities were offering the $5m (£3.8m) reward for information that will lead to the “financial destruction” of the Kinahan gang or the arrest and conviction of its leaders, Christy Kinahan Snr and/or his sons Daniel and Christopher Jnr.
Also named and sanctioned by the US department of the treasury’s office of foreign assets control (OFAC) were Kinahan associates Sean McGovern, Ian Dixon, Bernard Clancy and John Morrissey. A number of businesses were also identified as being associated with the Kinahan operation.
But Lazzez later insisted he was unaware of these developments, adding: "That man is a friend and an adviser, he's the one who picked me up every time life kicks me down He is a real man of his word. He's the one who taught me what it means to be real family and a real friend. I cannot thank him enough for where I am today and who I am today. He taught me to be responsible to my family and to my friends, that's why I made the shout-out."
Pressed on Kinahan's alleged crime links, he said: "I didn't know that. I am here to entertain people and I give the credit to whoever deserves credit. I am not involved in this kind of stuff. I don't know about it and I will investigate it and how it goes. For me it's simple, he's a friend outside the gym, I meet him for advice and he helps me with my career. I don't follow this news, I focus on my sport and on my family."
Wendy Woolcock, special agent in charge of special operations division at the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), said last week the agency will “relentlessly pursue” the Kinahan gang, specifically its senior members.
"For years the Kinahan’s has used intimidation, influence and money to destroy towns by pouring drugs on to the streets,” Ms Woolcock said. “The prey for profit from the addicted while living lavish lifestyles in Dubai."
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