Top U.S. Boxing Trainer Arrested at Manchester Airport on Firearms Charge

Brian McIntyre had been in UK to train Chris Eubank junior

Brian McIntyre, trainer of Chris Eubank Jr is interviewed during the Chris Eubank Jr v Liam Smith II Media workout at in St Anne's Square in Manchester, England on August 30, 2023. Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images

The man who trains Terence Crawford—who is widely regarded as the world’s best pound-for-pound boxer—has been arrested at Manchester airport after a gun was allegedly found in his luggage.

Brian “BoMac” McIntyre, 53, had spent several weeks in England training British boxer Chris Eubank junior, who won his rematch with Liam Smith on Saturday night.

Eubank had hired Mr. McIntyre last month in a successful bid to avenge his defeat to Smith in January.

Mr. McIntyre was charged with possession of a firearm by Greater Manchester Police after the gun was allegedly found in his luggage as he prepared to board a flight back to the United States.

He appeared at Stockport magistrates’ court on Monday and has been remanded in custody pending an appearance at Manchester Crown Court on October 9.

He has not been given the opportunity to enter a plea yet.

Greater Manchester Police said, in a statement: “At around 10:45 a.m. on Sunday September 3, 2023, officers were called to reports of a possible firearm being found in hold luggage by airport staff at Manchester Airport.”

‘Firearm was Seized’

“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,” they added.

“Brian McIntyre, from the United States of America, was charged with possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate,” the statement concluded.

The maximum sentence for possession of a firearm in the UK is ten years in custody.

Mr. McIntyre guided Eubank, 33, to a successful tenth-round stoppage of Smith at the Manchester Arena on Saturday night.

It followed Crawford’s spectacular victory over previously unbeaten Errol Spence in Las Vegas in July.

Crawford became the first undisputed world champion in two weight classes in the modern era and Mr. McIntyre has been tipped to win the award for boxing’s Trainer of the Year for 2023.

In a recent interview with YouTube channel ProBox Fans, Mr. McIntyre said: “Spence activated his rematch, that’s confirmed, but we don’t have a date and stuff like that yet. I’m hoping it happens before the end of the year.”

But if Crawford-Spence 2 does go ahead this year it looks like Crawford may have to hire a new trainer while Mr. McIntyre awaits the outcome of the British criminal justice system.

Eubank—who is the son of former champion Chris Eubank senior—has had a number of trainers since he started out in boxing.

PA Media contributed to this report.