By Radio Rahim

Promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom was stunned at the news that former world middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin and long-time trainer Abel Sanchez parted company on Wednesday.

Their split, at least according to Sanchez, was over money. Sanchez had trained Golovkin for nine years, and their split has shocked many in the boxing industry.

The 37-year-old, with a record of 38-1-1 with 34 knockouts, is scheduled to return to action on June 8 at Madison Square Garden in New York against unbeaten Canadian Steve Rolls, 19-0 with 10 knockouts.

Golovkin, who recently signed a lucrative six-fight deal with streaming company DAZN, confirmed the break-up of one of boxing's most famous partnerships in a short statement.

"I would like to announce that I have made a major decision for myself and for my career," Golovkin said. "I want to build on what I have already achieved and continue to better myself. Therefore, I will not be training with Abel Sanchez."

Sanchez issued his own statement, blaming "greed" for the boxer's decision.

"He insisted on an insulting new trainer compensation schedule," Sanchez said. "My dignity and honor does not allow me to be screwed like that. It's unfortunate being greedy, being ungrateful, and (having) no ethics, honor or integrity will end this relationship."

"I thought those two were as tight as they come. I don't know what happened there. Triple G is at a stage of his life where he has 3 or 5 or 6 fights left. I'm surprised. Who is going to train him, I don't really know. I think a lot of people at that stage of their career will stay with their trainer, because changing now is a bit weird," Hearn told BoxingScene.com.

"But that's not always the right thing. Because if you want to change and you think you can improve and be better with someone else, it's better to do it. Staying loyal is great, but not if its not going to get the best out of your performance."