Moruti Mthalane is aware that MTK Global, which confirmed the signing of the accomplished boxer three years ago, has closed shop after damaging allegations against one of its associates, which include drug trafficking.
The company, which represented more than 200 fighters, announced recently that it was shutting down due to the backlash from its former association with Daniel Kinahan, an alleged mob boss who has been placed under US sanctions.
Government officials stressed their determination to bring down Kinahan and his family who are said to be running an intimidating drug cartel that smuggles deadly narcotics including cocaine to Europe.
Top promoters have distanced themselves from working with MTK Global, which has ties to WBC heavyweight champ Tyson Fury. It was established in 2012 by former pro boxer Mathew Macklin.
Mthalane’s manager Colin Nathan was appointed by the Dubai-based management company as the head of its African headquarters in 2019. The appointment was confirmed by the company’s president, Bob Yalen from the US.
Nathan was not available for comment yesterday.
Mthalane, who is a former IBF fly weight champion, said: “They assisted me in getting fights. I think our contract expires this year, but I think it is over now that they have closed shop. I don’t see that as a problem because boxing has been there without them."
MTK Global's official statement reads in part: "As a business we have faced unprecedented levels of unfair scrutiny and criticism since the sanctioning by the US government of Daniel Joseph Kinahan. It is a matter of public record that Mr Kinahan’s involvement in MTK ceased in 2017, and despite repeated reassurances in this regard, unfounded allegations about his ongoing association with us and our fighters persist.
"Since leading promoters have now informed us that they will be severing all ties with MTK and will no longer work with our fighters, we have taken the difficult decision to cease operations at the end of this month."
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