Kell Brook’s former trainer Dominic Ingle has given his perspective on the controversial video of Brook that emerged on social media earlier this year.
A clip of Brook appearing to snort white powder circulated on Twitter in recent weeks, prompting concern for the wellbeing of the former welterweight world champion.
And Ingle told Boxing King Media that Brook may have found himself in with the “wrong crowd” after retiring – but that he has now learnt from his mistakes.
“He had the biggest fight of his life a year ago, and I think the realisation that he’s never going to box again – depression does set in.
And if you’re around the wrong people saying ‘you’re finished boxing now, you can do what you want,’ you get in with the wrong crowd and led astray. It was just stupid what he did.
I’m not saying it’s right, it’s not right, you just hear this with so many people, they’re looking for an answer somewhere. They’re looking for something else and you know what, there is nothing else.
But I think he’s learnt his lesson and is getting himself back on track. Hopefully that’s all behind him.”
Brook issued a public apology at the time 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.
Ingle understands that Brook is doing a bit of training now to get back on track, and a return to the ring hasn’t been ruled out. Promoter, Ben Shalom, recently revealed that the fighter doesn’t want these latest headlines to be his lasting memory.