Joe Fitzpatrick and Mark Dunlop announce split – Stephen Webb fight OFF

Manager Mark Dunlop and top lightweight prospect Joe Fitzpatrick [8(5)-0] have confirmed that they have parted company.

The Belfast duo are to go their separate ways and ‘The Dragon’ will no longer feature on the ‘A Night To Remember’ card at the Ulster Hall next month.

2014 Commonwealth silver medallist Fitzpatrick, returning after 14 months out, was due to box West Belfast rival Stephen Webb [1(0)-0] on the February 9th show but this clash has been postponed.

Both Dunlop and Fitzpatrick confirmed on social media this morning that they will no longer be working together following an amicable split.

The MHD boss said that “I am afraid the rumours are true, myself and Joe have decided by mutual agreement to part ways.”

“Joe has been with me for three and a half years since turning professional, racking up eight straight wins and climbing as high as 17 in the British rankings.”

“Now that Joe has turned a corner in his personal life it is with hand on heart I wish him every success in his professional career and personal life.

Fitzpatrick added that “myself and everyone at Team Dragon would like wish MHD and all their fighters the best of luck and we hope that ‘A Night To Remember’ is a success. I would like to personally thank Mark and MHD Promotions for everything he has done for me.

“I signed my first pro contract when I was very young and it didn’t always go to plan but I am growing and learning everyday in this business.”

“This is only the start of something new and we know that 2019 is still going to be a very big year for Team Dragon, my training will continue, I promised my fans a fight and I will be ready for the fight when it happens.”

The Divis 24-year-old signed with Dunlop back in 2015 and raced to 8-0 before a long hiatus following his last contest in October 2017.

Fitzpatrick admitted that he had issues with commitment but has recently linked up with trainer Sean McCullagh and has been training with Anto Cacace ahead of the pair’s respective ring returns.

New managerial details for Fitzpatrick will be reported in due course.

The bill next month still features James Tennyson, Paul Hyland, Tommy McCarthy, Luke Wilton, Cathy McAleer, Mathew Fitzsimons, and a vacant Irish lightweight title fight between Feargal McCrory and Karl Kelly.