Following the arrest of Daniel Kinahan, boxing’s past is now in the spotlight. The investigations could shed new light on old connections and money flows.
The arrest of Daniel Kinahan is causing considerable unrest in the boxing world. The suspected head of an international drug cartel was an influential figure in professional boxing for years – despite early warning signs and public controversy. Kinahan came into the spotlight back in 2016 when there was a fatal shooting at the Regency Hotel during a boxing event. Although he was considered a target, his role in the sport initially remained untouched. In the following years, he built up an extensive network with structures such as MTK Global and worked with numerous promoters and boxers.
The pressure increased after the sanctions imposed by the US Treasury Department in 2022 at the latest. MTK Global ceased operations shortly afterwards. Now, following his arrest in Dubai, the key question is: what are the consequences for those who had business dealings with him? Investigators are reportedly looking into money flows and communication channels in particular. Encrypted messages and possible links to financial transactions could play a decisive role in this. While boxers themselves are unlikely to have to fear any legal consequences, promoters, managers and middlemen could come under greater scrutiny.
Prominent names such as Tyson Fury, who once publicly mentioned Kinahan, also became the center of attention at times – even if direct connections have long been denied. One thing is clear: the investigation has only just begun. And it could keep boxing busy for a long time to come.
Text by Robin Josten