Boxing: Anderson's move baffles McGuigan

Published on Tuesday 25 August 2009 09:42

BARRY McGUIGAN admitted today he was baffled by Edinburgh super-middleweight Kenny Anderson's decision to reject an offer to team up with the former WBA featherweight boxing champion.

McGuigan, who combines being a TV pundit with managing a small stable of pro fighters, was keen to resuscitate the 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medal winner's career.

"I've always rated Anderson very highly, believing that he could go all the way to the top at world level.

"Recently – not wishing to tramp on anyone's toes contract wise – I had Anderson contact the Board of Control to ensure that he was free from any contractual obligations to any other promoter.

"The Board told him he was contractually free so I had planned to arrange a series of fights including entry to a 25,000 tournament for super-middleweights for Anderson but suddenly he announced that he was planning to go to Germany to try to revive his career there.

"He is free to do what he wishes but honestly I can't see any German promoter or manager bettering the chance that I was trying to give him although I wish him well in whatever he does.

"Anderson has it all – heart, skill and punch power – but I really don't think moving to Germany is the answer."