Ex-champ Golovkin splits with long-time trainer Sanchez

WASHINGTON: Former world middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin and long-time trainer Abel Sanchez parted company on Wednesday in an acrimonious split apparently triggered by a dispute over money.

Golovkin, who recently signed a lucrative six-fight deal with streaming company DAZN, confirmed the break-up of one of boxing's most famous partnerships in a short statement.

"I would like to announce that I have made a major decision for myself and for my career," Golovkin said.

"I want to build on what I have already achieved and continue to better myself. Therefore, I will not be training with Abel Sanchez."

Shortly after Golovkin's announcement, Sanchez issued his own statement, blaming "greed" for the boxer's decision.

"He insisted on an insulting new trainer compensation schedule," Sanchez said.

"My dignity and honor does not allow me to be screwed like that. It's unfortunate being greedy, being ungrateful, and (having) no ethics, honor or integrity will end this relationship."

The decision means Golovkin will have a new trainer in his corner when he returns to the ring in June.

Golovkin owned the World Boxing Association, World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation world titles until last September, when he lost a 12-round majority decision to Mexico's Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas.

The 37-year-old Kazakhstan fighter, 38-1-1 with 34 knockouts, is scheduled to return to action on June 8 at Madison Square Garden in New York against unbeaten Canadian Steve Rolls, 19-0 with 10 knockouts. - AFP