By Rick Reeno

BoxingScene.com was advised by several strong sources that promotional company "The Empire" will no longer involve itself in the boxing business. "The Empire" will continue to operate with a big focus on the music industry. I've been told Empire President, Greg Cohen, is no longer with the company. "The Empire" and Cohen parted ways, based on sources with knowledge of the situation.

A number of fighters under contract with Empire have already been released, and several others are having their releases finalized in the next couple of days. The most marquee name under their promotional banner is WBA "regular" 154-pound champion Austin Trout. From what I've been told, Cohen is planning to start his own promotional company, and trying to retain the contract of Trout.