Boxing management company MTK Global has today announced a boycott of Republic of Ireland Media with immediate effect.
The company, who currently manage Carl Frampton, Michael Conlan, Paddy Barnes, David Oliver Joyce, Jamie Conlan and Jono Carroll amongst others released a statement today explaining the decision.
On Saturday 3rd February, a boxing event being run by SK Promotions, which was due to feature 5 MTK Global signed boxers, was cancelled when the Citywest Hotel pulled out of hosting the event following widespread media propaganda.
Despite announcing MTK Global cutting all ties with Daniel Kinahan in February 2017, and announcing a full management buy-in by myself in October 2017, the Irish media have continued to vilify MTK Global in all and any mention of Irish boxing and MTK Global signed boxers.
The announcement also clarified the exact repercussions of the decision.
We will no longer issue press releases. Our team and athletes will no longer participate in interviews. Media from the Republic of Ireland will no longer be welcome at any MTK Global hosted events. We will provide no further comment to any media from the Republic of Ireland on any matters, be it sporting or business.
MTK was co-founded by Irish former middleweight boxer Matthew Macklin while Daniel Kinahan co-founded the initial project back in 2013. External investors subsequently bought out the company last year.
Sandra Vaughan, CEO and Sole Shareholder of MTK Global also released a video explaining the decision while various boxers have shared the statement on social media.
I support @mtkglobal #FairNews campaign & boycott of Irish Media. Please help support https://t.co/tGG3VoFEsj
— Paddy Barnes OLY (@paddyb_ireland) February 8, 2018
I support @mtkglobal #FairNews campaign & boycott of Irish Media. Please help support https://t.co/hws5mKxc6w
— Carl Frampton MBE (@RealCFrampton) February 8, 2018
James McClean has also tweeted his support of the boycott.
Matthew Macklin announced at the end of last year that Michael Conlan was set for a return to action on St. Patricks day, while Carl Frampton will face Nonito Donaire at Belfast's SSE Arena on 28 April.
