Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre, the trainer of boxer Chris Eubank Jr, has been charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition after a gun was found in his suitcase at Manchester Airport.
The 53-year-old was arrested by armed police on Sunday morning after security officials found the weapon in his luggage ahead of his flight back to Atlanta.
McIntyre, who also trains undisputed welterweight champion Terence Crawford, helped mastermind Eubank Jr’s superb victory over Liam Smith on Saturday night.
He was detained after a scan of his baggage, which had been checked in ahead of his flight, revealed the firearm.
According to reports, there was little attempt to conceal the weapon in his luggage.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: ‘At around 10:45am on Sunday 3 September 2023, officers were called to reports of a possible firearm being found in hold luggage by airport staff at Manchester Airport.
‘After initial inspection by security staff, GMP officers attended, and the firearm was seized.
‘Subsequently, a 53-year-old man was arrested for possession of a firearm and was taken to custody for further questioning.
‘Brian McIntyre (01/07/1970) from the United States of America was charged with possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate.
‘McIntyre attended Stockport Magistrates court this morning where he was further remanded into custody. He is next due to appear at Manchester Crown Court on Monday 9 October 2023.’
McIntyre is widely regarded as one of boxing’s best trainers with many tipping him to be crowned Trainer of the Year after a superb 2023.
‘BoMac’ is the long-time trainer and friend of Crawford, who dominated rival Errol Spence Jr to unify the welterweight division and cement his status as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport.
Eubank Jr lost his first fight against Smith in January, knocked out in the fourth round.
Roy Jones Jr, who trained the Brighton fighter that night, was prepared to throw in the towel just as the referee stopped the contest, a decision that dismayed Eubank Jr with the two parting ways later in the year.
Eubank Jr then linked up with McIntyre, turning in perhaps the most polished performance of his professional career under his guidance to avenge his defeat.
MORE : Chris Eubank Jr beats Liam Smith with 10th-round stoppage in dominant display
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