Ex-champ Golovkin splits with longtime trainer

WASHINGTON – Former world middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin and longtime trainer Abel Sanchez parted company on Wednesday (Thursday Manila time) 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.

It will be the first time "Triple G" will enter the ring without Sanchez guiding him since they began working together in early 2010.

They won 20 fights together, only denied victory by Alvarez in a September 2017 draw and last September's defeat.

"This was not an easy decision for me and it is not a reflection on Abel's professional abilities. He is a great trainer, a loyal trainer, and a Hall of Fame trainer," Golovkin said.

"I will be announcing my new trainer at a later date. But today, I want to thank Abel for the lessons he taught me in boxing."