by David P. Greisman
Former 122- and 126-pound title challenger Michael Brodie has been found not guilty of one count of conspiracy to supply cocaine — a charge that came after police in the United Kingdom found a very valuable package of the drug in a taxi driven by the retired fighter, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Brodie, 38, was arrested about a year ago. At the time, the newspaper said the kilogram of cocaine was worth about £268,000, or around $428,000. The most recent report said there was about £138,000 (or around $220,000) worth of cocaine.
Yet the cocaine apparently actually belonged to a man who was a passenger in Brodie’s taxi at the time police stopped the vehicle and searched it. That man has pleaded guilty to criminal charges, according to the report.
Brodie last fought in 2009, a defeat that brought his record to 36-4-1 with 24 knockouts. He fought four times for world titles, going 0-3-1.
David P. Greisman is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow David on Twitter @fightingwords2 or send questions/comments via email at fightingwords1@gmail.com
