PROMOTER Frank Warren yesterday publicly defended himself and American partner Don King against allegations that they neglected stricken boxer Gerald MeClellan.

Warren said they had voluntarily paid substantial sums for medical, hotel and air ambulance charges over and above the American fighter's purse. Members of his family were also helped, and Warren stated that he had personally given a total of around £100,000.

He put financial figures covering the fight and its aftermath on display at a press conference, and offered to produce evidence of relevant cheques. McClellan suffered crippling injuries in his WBC world super-middleweight fight with Nigel Benn in London last February. The allegations came from within the family.

Warren said yesterday: "What happened to Gerald McClellan in that fight was a terrible tragedy. We did all we could to help him and his family, but for doing something voluntarily we have been slagged off. It's not a case of blowing your own trumpet, but when it gets to this stage you must defend yourself.