Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury will take questions about his relationship with Daniel Kinahan, but will not say much. Fury did not provide clarity on the situation Tuesday, saying his relationship with Kinahan was not something the public needed to know.
Fury initially told reporters, “That’s none of your business” when asked about his relationship to Kinahan. Fury then tried to downplay the situation saying, “I’m just a stupid boxer who gets punched in the face for a living.”
Fury mostly tried to convey he believes his relationship with Kinahan is a private matter, and that he doesn’t feel he should explain it to the media.
Tyron Fury’s relationship with Daniel Kinahan under fire
Fury’s relationship with Kinahan came under fire Thursday, when it was revealed Top Rank — Fury’s promoter — paid $4 million in consulting fees to Kinahan over a multi-year period.
Last Tuesday, the U.S. government accused Kinahan of running an international drug ring and trafficking firearms. The government is offering a $5 million reward for Kinahan’s arrest and conviction. Kinahan was previously involved in Top Rank after starting his own promotional company — MTK Global — in 2012. Top Rank chairman Bob Arum admitted the company paid and was involved with Kinahan. Arum said the company started to disassociate with Kinahan upon hearing he may have still been involved in questionable activities.
Most in the boxing world are distancing themselves from Kinahan in light of the sanctions, but not everyone. UFC fighter Mounir Lazzez thanked Kinahan after Lazzez defeated Ange Loosa at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night. Lazzez said after the fight he was not aware of the allegations and sanctions against Kinahan.
Fury’s next fight will take place against Dillian Whyte on Saturday.