David Haye, the former world heavyweight champion, has parted company from his trainer as he continues his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury. The 36-year-old British fighter, who was injured during his defeat against Tony Bellew in March, used his Facebook account to announce the break-up with Shane McGuigan.
“Shane and I have come to the mutual decision that when I am ready to go back into full training, we will no longer be working together as boxer and coach,” he said. “We remain good friends and will always metaphorically be in each other’s corner but both parties agreed moving forward we weren’t right for each other.
“I remain deeply indebted to Shane for playing a pivotal role in my comeback to date. I will forever be grateful for his hard work and tutelage. I would not be in the position I am today without this.”
McGuigan responded on Twitter: “Myself & @mrdavidhaye have mutually decided to part ways. I wish him all the success in his future endeavours. We remain good friends.”
Haye, inset, won the WBA heavyweight title against Nikolai Valuev in 2009 and successfully defended it twice before losing to Wladimir Klitschko, after which he retired. He later returned to the ring, winning three fights before the reverse against Bellew at the O2 Arena in London.
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Haye said yesterday: “I’m pleased to confirm rehabilitation is going well and I will make a complete recovery. Whilst I am not quite in a position to be announcing my next opponent, my passion for the sport remains unwavered and my desire to regain my heavyweight title is stronger than ever.”
Anthony Crolla, who is back in training after losing his WBA lightweight rematch against Jorge Linares in March, says he wants to fight again at the Manchester Arena, scene of last month’s terror attack at an Ariana Grande concert. The Manchester fighter, who expects to fight in October, said the venue was “such a special place. I’ve had some of my best nights there and I’m a proud Mancunian.
“It’s always great to fight in front of your own people. I ran the Great Manchester Run last week and it showed the strength of the city. It makes you proud to be a Mancunian.”