The trainer of Chris Eubank Jr was arrested by armed airport police after security officials found a gun in a suitcase.
Mail Sport understands Brian ‘Bomac’ McIntyre was detained amid dramatic scenes at Manchester Airport on Sunday morning.
The alarm was raised when a scan of the baggage – which had been checked in ahead of a flight – allegedly showed the weapon.
Police officers with their own guns descended on the departure lounge at Terminal 2 and arrested 53-year-old McIntyre, who was due to fly to Atlanta, for suspected possession of a firearm.
Eubank Jr’s trainer has since been charged with possession of a firearm.
Chris Eubank Jr’s coach Brian McIntyre (pictured) was arrested by armed airport police after security officials found a gun inside of a suitcase on Sunday
It came on the morning after Eubank Jr’s (centre with McIntyre, second left) convincing victory over Liam Smith on Saturday night at the AO Arena in Manchester
A police spokesperson said a gun was seized which was found in hold luggage by airport staff
McIntyre, himself a former boxer from the United States, had overseen Eubank Jr’s comprehensive victory over Liam Smith in their middleweight rematch in the city on Saturday night.
The suitcase was checked in with little attempt to conceal the weapon, it is thought. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: ‘At around 10:45 am on Sunday 3 September 2023, officers were called to reports of a possible firearm being found in hold luggage by airport staff at Manchester Airport.
‘After initial inspection by security staff, GMP officers attended, and the firearm was seized.
‘Subsequently, a 53-year-old man was arrested for possession of a firearm and was taken to custody for further questioning.
‘Brian McIntyre (01/07/1970) from the United States of America was charged with possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate.
‘McIntyre attended Stockport Magistrates court this morning where he was further remanded into custody.
‘He is next due to appear at Manchester Crown Court on Monday 9 October 2023.’
How the gun came to be in the suitcase will form part of the police’s probe.
McIntyre is widely regarded as one of the best trainers in the sport. He orchestrated what was Eubank’s career-best performance in the pair’s first fight together. Crawford is viewed by some as the finest pound-for-pound fighters on the planet.
He has also been in the corner for former super-featherweight champion Jamel Herring and trained Amir Khan for his fight with Kell Brook last year.
McIntyre also trains US star Terence Crawford. The pair grew up on the same Omaha street and trained at the same gym.
Eubank Jr’s team declined to comment when approached by Mail Sport.