WBC president says he 'made innocent mistake' meeting Daniel Kinahan
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman says he has 'at no time' had any relationship with alleged crime boss Daniel Kinahan, who has acted as an advisor to world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in the past.
"Whilst visiting Dubai recently I was introduced to Daniel Kinahan, who has since been placed on a sanctions list by the US Treasury Department, concerning alleged links to drug crimes," said Sulaiman.
"This has generated speculation and attacks on myself and the WBC. I therefore feel it necessary to make it clear that at no time have we had any relationship with Daniel Kinahan.
"The World Boxing Council deals solely and exclusively with boxing promoters and only they maintain commercial relations in the certification of fights for our titles.
"The WBC has had for many years a large number of social responsibility campaigns focused on the prevention and awareness of the dangers of drug use.
The WBC and Daniel Kinahan https://t.co/jMNaQlsvC4
— World Boxing Council (@WBCBoxing) April 18, 2022
"We have a wonderful program of talks given by a former DEA agent, Rocky Heron, who reaches thousands of people with his presentations. We have rescued many boxers and members of the boxing community around the world from the demons of addiction and we openly and constantly support rehabilitation clinics such as those of Julio Cesar Chavez and Aaron Silva, among others.
"I made an innocent mistake, due to absolute ignorance of the situation. In this way, I confirm that the World Boxing Council and all its members absolutely reject any action that is detrimental to human beings and we will continue, as always, in total compliance with the laws of all countries in the world."
Kinahan was a co-founder of the MTK Global agency, which represents a number of boxing's leading fighters, including Fury.
But Warren said: "We knew nothing. I certainly knew nothing and I know Tyson knew nothing about the payments made by Top Rank to the company in the Middle East.