SPORT & NOTE

News

FRANK MALONEY RETIRES FROM PROFESSIONAL BOXING

11/10/2013 - 13.06.10

 

 

Manager and promoter Frank Maloney retires from professional boxing

FRANK MALONEY has called time on his career in boxing after over 30 years in the sport as a manager and promoter.

By: Ben Jefferson   -   express.co.uk

Frank-Maloney-has-retired-from-boxing-GETTY- 

Frank Maloney has retired from boxing [GETTY]

Maloney was the manager of Lennox Lewis when he became Britain's first ever world heavyweight champion and was even dubbed 'The Mental Midget' by Don King.
Maloney had been contemplating his future since David Price was beaten twice in five months by Tony Thompson, all but ending his hopes of becoming world heavyweight champion.
Maloney agreed to continue to manage Price earlier this month but has now had a change of heart and will now look to make a clean break from the sport.
He said: "For the last year I have gradually fallen out of love with boxing and my passion has been missing.
"I did much soul searching over the summer and my heart is no longer  in the sport that I loved so much.
"If I continued as his promoter it would be unfair as I cannot give the commitment and love for the sport that is needed to get his career back on track.
"When I saw him in the gym last week it was my first visit to one for months and I no longer got the buzz I used to get.
"The sport has changed so much over the last few years. So many boxers listen to the last person they meet, and trainers who give time but invest no money into the sport  are afforded too much power.
"It has also been a tough time for me personally and I feel a lot more at ease with myself by reaching this decision.
"David understands my decision as does the other fighters I look after including British cruiserweight champion Jon Lewis Dickinson.

Frank Maloney

Frank Maloney managed Lennox Lewis in the 90s [GETTY]

"I wish them all the best and will follow their careers. If they do ever want to call me for a chat they can.
"I would like to thank everybody in boxing who has given me so much support in the sport over the years.
"I learnt the trade from some great people, but a special mention must go to the late American fight promoter Dan Duva."
Maloney has produced several world champions during his career besides Lewis. Scott Harrison, Paul Ingle were handled by Maloney who also promoted David Haye when he became world cruiserweight champion.
The South Londoner also managed and promoted dozens of British, Commonwealth, European and International champions.
He added: "Although I loved the Lennox years the heavyweights I loved being around were characters like Julius Francis and the late James Oyebola.
"I treated all my boxers equal in business but there were some I had a bond with like Julius and James.
"Men like Graham Earl, Rendall Munroe, Ian Napa, Martin Power Patrick Mullings, PJ Gallagher, Danny Hunt and Kevin Lear gave me some of my favourite nights and were fellas I bonded with.
"When I reflect back I honestly believe I started falling out of love with boxing when Paul Ingle suffered his accident in 2000.
"Throughout my career in boxing I have had a love-hate relationship with Frank Warren but I have nothing but respect for him and I leave this sport as a friend. I wish Frank and BoxNation ever success.
"Without BoxNation the sport could be in serious trouble."
Maloney will split his time between Kent where his three daughters live and Portugal.

Sourcewww.express.co.uk/sport/boxing/435849/Manager-and-promoter-Frank-Maloney-retires-from-professional-boxing