Sky pundit pulls the pin on ‘best pal’
BOXER Matthew Macklin has vowed to Sky Sports that he will never deal with or work with his former “best friend” Daniel Kinahan again.
Macklin, 39, who co-founded boxing firm MTK Global with Kinahan in 2012 and who once was close pals with him, has not commented publicly on the mob boss in recent years. And he hasn’t made his feelings known after the recent sanctions imposed upon him by the US government – until now.
In recent weeks, his role as a regular commentator and pundit for Sky Sports has come under scrutiny from some on social media. Dozens of boxing figures such as Tyson Fury, Michael Conlon and Bob Arum have distanced themselves from Kinahan, and Macklin has joined them.
In recent days, this paper has repeatedly sought Mr Macklin directly for comment on the issue – but without success.
But in an statement last night, Sky confirmed that Mr Macklin, who is a regular pundit with them, has vowed to the company that he will not work with or deal with Kinahan again.
A spokesman said: “Matt Macklin disposed of his stake in MTK in 2017. Since then, he has had no commercial dealings with Daniel Kinahan.
“Like everyone at Sky Sports, he will fully comply with the US Sanctions.”
In follow up questions we asked the spokesperson specifically if Mr Macklin has promised Sky that he will no longer work with or deal with Kinahan – given the US sanctions – to which he stated he has.
It is the first public confirmation from Macklin that he will comply with the sanctions and not have any future dealings with Kinahan since the bombshell announcement by the US.
Back in 2017 Macklin, who is not involved in any criminality, referred to Kinahan as his best friend, and stated that the gangster decided to take a backseat in his role at MTK due to “bad publicity”.