Exclusive: McIntyre 'gobsmacked' at being stripped by Tom Walker Jun 10th 2008

Former British welterweight champion, Kevin McIntyre, has spoken exclusively to Britishboxing.net about his feelings on being stripped of his title by the regulators of domestic boxing, the British Boxing Board of Control. McIntyre - despite defending his belt as recently as February 29th - was stripped of his title for withdrawing from a scheduled June 14 defence against Sports Network fighter, Kell Brook. McIntyre says that he could have boxed within the stipulated period (the end of June) had the show been moved back a fortnight. More tellingly, he reveals he would have rather boxed Brook underprepared than be stripped - and feels that the Board's draconian stance on his case might encourage ill-prepared fighters to step through the ropes rather than losing their title outside the ring. BBN: Kevin, it is good of you to speak to BritishBoxing.net at a time when it would be justifiable for you to feel that boxing in general hasn't been too kind to you. Reports came through to us at ringside on Friday evening in the Kelvin Hall that you'd been stripped of your title by the BBBoC. How did they communicate this to you? KM: They contacted my management team Braveheart Promotions with the news. I was totally shocked. I was preparing a defence for Wednesday which was when I was told the meeting would take place. I had looked forward to speaking to them in person and showing them that I had kept my weight in check. BBN: The Board has denied you the right to defend your title, despite I assume you're having the appropriate certification from medical advisors? KM: Yes I provided two doctor's notes. They then asked for a physio's report which I then supplied to them, I did everything as quickly as possible to help with matters. BBN: Did the Board elaborate on their reasoning? KM: No just what was on their site, I made it clear to them I could still box within the June limit if a date could be made on the last weekend. BBN: Has your management made representation to the board? KM: Grant Jeans (Operations Manager for Braveheart Promotions) has been working over-time dealing with the situation. BBN: Has the Scottish area council of the board made any representation on your behalf? KM: Not that I am aware of! BBN: I know from first hand knowledge that when it became clear that the call had been made Brian McAllister was genuinely taken aback, which I assume meant he hadn't been made aware of the ruling from Cardiff. Are you as surprised as I am? KM: I honestly was gobsmacked, if I thought for a second this would happen I would have went in under prepared. The BBBoC always go on about the safety of the boxers but I think they have just opened the door to unfit and underprepared champions entering the ring due to fear of being stripped! BBN: Have you been given any assurances in respect of your status in terms of the outcome of the Brook vs Jones bout? KM: None yet, my only hope is I get to fight the winner. BBN: Has anyone indicated that as champion you would have expected to earn the lion's share of the purse for the bout that was scheduled and that this will remain the case in the event that the decision is to box the winner of the Brook/Jones bout? KM: That is a great point, as I have just lost out big time financially! I would hate to think the purses will go down the way again, as it has taken me nearly ten years in the sport to get a decent payday. BBN: Has this incident affected your view of boxing? KM: I just feel totally sickened by the whole thing, but I will always love the sport.

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DISCRACE! Jun 12th 2008, 21:02:07 by mainsy DISCRACE! This is where British Boxing lets itself down! No wonder the Americans and Russians control this sport. The British Boxing Board of Control has let itself down. How can the sport of Boxing take over from Football, Tennis and Cricket in this Country when it turns on its own dedicated sportsman like Kevin McIntyre! An honest hard working family man who just loves the sport he has worked so very hard for. A true Champion!