Boxing world in chaos as Kinahan sanctioned and boxing chiefs scramble to cut ties

A number of prominent figures in the sport said they have cut ties with firms connected to the crime chief, but many others have stayed silent.

Most outspoken has been promoter Bob Arum, who admitted he had paid $4 million to Kinahan for consultancy fees connected to Tyson Fury fights. The heavyweight champion , who has openly spoken of Kinahan as his friend, has not made any comment since the family were the subject of sanctions.

One top Irish boxing figure, who did not want to be named publicly, said the crime gang's money is pervasive in the boxing world.

In the light of the sanctions, he believed many fighters who accepted money are now "petrified".

"If the Americans are involved they are going to trace every cheque paid out. Everyone involved with Kinahan are crapping themselves."

The Department of Treasury's sanctions mean it can be a criminal offence for US citizens or residents to deal with Daniel Kinahan, his brother Christy jnr or father Christy snr.

Also included in the list is Hoopoe Sports management, which the US authorities say is controlled by Kinahan's cousin Ian Dixon.

Veteran boxing promoter Bob Arum added on Friday that he had paid Daniel Kinahan $4million through the firm for consultancy fees over Tyson Fury fights. On Friday night, Hoopoe's website still listed a number of well-known Irish and UK boxers as its clients.

As if to highlight Kinahan's poisonous effect on boxing, a second lawsuit against him was lodged in the US on the day the sanctions were announced.

Boxing promoter and lawyer Edward Bissau Mendy, speaking exclusively to the Sunday World, described himself as "an accidental crusader" in bringing the case.

"I think it is just a happy coincidence. I had nothing to do with the issuance of the sanctions," said Mr Mendy. "That's one of those unfortunate situations where a wrong was done and the people who suffered from the wrong are the fighters."

Daniel Kinahan is named in a legal filing made to the US District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania under anti-trust legislation.

Mendy claims two fighters he represents, Brendon Denes and Ivana Habazin, did not have results properly recorded after fights at the Arabian Ranches in Dubai in April last year.

He claims Kinahan's role stemmed from a perceived slight towards a business partner in Dubai.

"I know that he is involved and it was basically done... in furtherance of correcting the perceived slight that was directed at his business partner.

"I don't have anything against him personally, but I have to protect my interests and protect the people who entrusted their careers with me."

Mendy said he is happy to drop the case straight away if the fight records are changed to reflect his fighters' true records.

Kinahan is described in the court filing as "a larger-than-life figure towering over the Sport of Boxing and controls not only top fighters but also some of the largest and most successful promoters in the sport today".