• UFC 132

Andre Winner's boxing coach sent to prison pre-UFC 132

ESPN staff
June 20, 2011
Andre Winner insists he's ready for UFC 132 © Getty Images
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Andre Winner has had to deal with an unexpected interruption ahead of UFC 132 after his boxing coach was sent to prison.

Winner is preparing for what could prove to be the most explosive fight on the July 2 card, against Muay Thai practitioner Anthony Njokuani. Both men are in need of a win in the lightweight division, with Winner coming off a recent loss to title contender Dennis Siver.

Reports coming out of the Brit's camp are that Winner is looking sharper than ever, with Dan Hardy recently revealing on Twitter that he was on the end of a sharp elbow from the TUF 9 runner-up. The 29-year-old has also never lost more than two fights on the bounce in his career.

Njokuani, like Winner, trusts in his stand-up skills, so Winner's boxing will be the key weapon if he is to triumph. However, when ESPN caught up with the Brit recently, he revealed his camp had taken an unexpected twist.

"I could have been fighting this week to be honest," Winner confidently stated ahead of the UFC 132 bout. "I've had a couple of setbacks but it'll all work out the way it's supposed to. I'm really looking forward to the fight."

Pressed on the nature of the setback, Winner continued: "My boxing coach got sent to prison! So I had to rearrange my pad work.

"I've done a lot with my brother and I've got all my other great coaches... I've worked with my brother for years so he knows my game and it will work out fine."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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