BOLTON boxer Amir Khan has tweeted his support for controversial boxing promoter Daniel Kinahan after the BBC made serious allegations against him.

A recent BBC Panorama programme investigated the Kinahan family's influence in world boxing.

The documentary investigated the alleged role Daniel Kinahan has played in professional boxing.

The High Court in Dublin previously named Kinahan, who lives in the United Arab Emirates, as a senior figure in an Irish gang involved in criminal matters. He has no convictions.

Police warned the BBC about an unspecified threat from unnamed elements in Northern Ireland in relation to the programme, the BBC has said.

BBC’s head of current affairs Jo Carr, said: “The BBC places the utmost priority on the safety of our teams, whose journalism plays a vital role in a free society.

“It is despicable and intolerable if thugs think they can muzzle a free press through intimidation.

“We will continue to throw light into even the murkiest of corners.”

The Kinahans has been involved in a feud with the Hutch gang since 2015.

In 2016, an attempt was made on Daniel Kinahan’s life at a boxing weigh-in at the Regency Hotel in Dublin.

Khan wrote on Twitter: "I’ve known Daniel for sometime, I have huge respect for what he’s doing for boxing.

"We need people like Dan to keep the sport alive. One of the nicest guys I’ve met."

Khan also posted a link to a lengthy statement which Kinahan gave to Talk Sport, refuting the allegations.

“I have tried my best to ignore the allegations that are constantly made about me. I have dedicated myself to my work in boxing for over 15 years," said Kinahan.

"I am not a part of a criminal gang or any conspiracy. I have no convictions. None. Not just in Ireland but anywhere in the world."

Kinahan’s involvement in boxing caused controversy last year when British fighter Tyson Fury thanked him for reaching an agreement for him to take on Anthony Joshua next year.

Fury said he was responsible for organising “the biggest fight in British boxing history”.

But within weeks Fury’s team announced that Kinahan would no longer negotiate for him.