By Phil D. Jay

After 28 years in the fight promoting business, renowned boxing man Frank Maloney has announced that he will step away from the sport in three years’ time.

Maloney, who promoted his first show in 1984 and led Lennox Lewis to multiple world heavyweight titles, was speaking at the inquest into former fighter Darren Sutherland’s tragic death.

Sutherland was found hanged in September 2009 by Maloney, who has subsequently had some blame pointed his way following the revelation that the Irishman was fearful of breaking his contract with the 2009 European Promoter of the Year.

"My conscience is totally clear,” stated Maloney.

"I don't like how people try to paint people in boxing, I don't need the stress factor. I have had enough of it. I've had enough of people thinking we're all crooks or charlatans.

"I will never sign another boxer. “

Maloney then added; “My door stays open. I've nothing to hide."

In his current stable is heavyweight hope David Price amongst others, but Maloney has now vowed not to renew any of his contracts with the fighters currently under his guidance.

Maloney has also been the subject of abuse on his social networking Twitter page and has felt compelled to defend his name to some of the abusers.

Boxing will certainly be a duller place without the flamboyant character when he walks away from the sport.

Phil D. Jay covers boxing for worldboxingnews.net