Ben Shalom has spoken out about the video of Kell Brook that was leaked last week, and lambasted whoever was responsible for the video getting out.
The clip shows Brook appearing to snort a white powder, and sparked widespread messages of concern for the fighter, who has previously admitted to struggling with retirement.
Speaking to IFL TV, Shalom echoed the goodwill towards Brook and said he felt the former world champion had nothing to apologise for.
“Obviously Kell has made it clear that he’s lacked direction after boxing.
People will never be able to relate to the high after the Khan night. The adulation, the ups and downs that boxing brings then to end on a high like that – he was lost.
When I saw that I was thinking, who has done that to him? The human nature to drag people down and muddy people’s names is not nice.
I don’t condone it, but I don’t think he has anything to apologise for. He’s in his own home and that should not be on the internet. People sharing that, and putting it out, it’s sickening.
The biggest lesson for Kell – and anyone – is to be careful who’s around you. Because it’s a toxic world.”
Brook issued an apology on Twitter for the video and said he will be seeking the necessary help as he looks to settle into retirement.
‘The Special One’ stopped long time rival Khan at the Manchester Arena last February, and has been linked to fights with the likes of Conor Benn, Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith over the past 18 months.
He is far from the only fighter who has had such issues emerge after hanging up the gloves, and many have called for additional support for fighters after they have retired.