Paul McCloskey (24-2, 12KOs) will have a new trainer when he returns to the ring in the New Year after dumping long-time handler John Breen - via text. 'Dudey' has spent the last eight years with Breen, who guided him to British and European titles as well as a world title shot against Amir Khan.

But the 33-year-old has not moved forward from that defeat (on cuts) and has decided a fresh start is required - much to the surprise of the trainer.

"I'm very disappointed that it has come to this point and I can't really understand it but I wish Paul all the very best for the future," Breen told the Belfast Telegraph.

"As with all my fighters I felt that I did my very best for Paul and I think his record shows that I did a pretty good job taking him from the amateur ranks and turning him into a professional. We seemed to work well together. Paul was a very good amateur and we got his style to adapt to the pros.

"I got a text saying that he feels that he has to move on and get another coach which I don't really understand but that's up to him. I really don't think I could have done more. I felt I got the best out of Paul."