• Boxing

Promoter Maloney calls time on career

Frank Maloney managed Great Britain's first ever world heavyweight champion in Lennox Lewis © PA Photos

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After more than 30 years as a manager and a promoter, Frank Maloney has announced his retirement from boxing.

Maloney stated he had been considering his future since British heavyweight David Price lost to Tony Thompson in July - the second time in five months.

He is famed for managing several world champions, most notably Britain's first ever world heavyweight champion and undisputed heavyweight king Lennox Lewis. Maloney also managed David Haye to the world cruiserweight title.

"For the last year I have gradually fallen out of love with boxing and my passion has been missing," Maloney issued in statement. "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 David's [Price] 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.

"I wish them all the best and will follow their careers. If they do ever want to call me for a chat, they can."

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