Veteran boxing trainer Brian “BoMac” McIntyre pleaded guilty to gun charges in a British court on Monday and was given a 20-month suspended sentence.
McIntyre, whose roster includes undisputed welterweight champion Terence Crawford and middleweight contender Chris Eubank Jr., had been held since Sept. 4 after being arrested for gun possession at a Manchester airport.
McIntyre, 53, was arrested while attempting to return to the U.S. following Eubank’s knockout win over Liam Smith on Sept. 2 in Manchester. He was charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition for a firearm after the weapon was found in his luggage.
The U.K. has some of the strictest gun laws in the world. McIntyre, who lives and works in Omaha, was facing a five-year prison sentence. However after hearing from several character witnesses, including Crawford, whom McIntyre guided to a career-defining win over Errol Spence Jr. last summer, the judge elected to impose a suspended sentence.
Bob Arum, Crawford’s former promoter who has a long relationship with McIntyre, also submitted a letter on his behalf.
Keyshawn Davis, a 135-pound contender who faces Nahir Albright on Saturday in Texas, told Sports Illustrated that McIntyre will be in his corner the night of the fight.
“I’m happy, excited,” says Davis. “I got to speak to him today. He sounds good. I’m definitely excited.”