Boxing: Berridge splits with Duco

Robert Berridge taking on Vasily Lepikhin in Pennsylvania. Photo / Getty

Kiwi boxer Robert Berridge has split with promoters Duco Events despite having more than four years left on his six-year contract.

The southpaw, who suffered a rough fifth-round TKO loss to Russian light heavyweight Vasily Lepikhin in Philadelphia in August, took to Facebook recently to confirm the split.

"After an eventful 2014 the team and I have decided it is in our best interest to part ways with Duco events. Duco has played a massive part in my career to date however our paths are heading in different directions. Don't worry I am still in training and still hungry to fight, have my eyes set on the next Super 8 event," he posted.

"There will of course with everything come speculation with this decision and [I] appreciate everyone's continued support.

"For now I am soaking in family time in the beautiful Rarotonga with my lovely wife, after a hard year this is exactly what I need!

"Back in NZ 2015 to start a new year, fresh and strong and get the Abattoir Gym ready to rumble."

Duco's Dean Lonergan refused to comment on speculation that Berridge was involved in an alcohol-related incident at this month's Fight for Life in Hamilton, which may have contributed to the split.

"We've decided to go our separate ways and that's just the way it works sometimes," Lonergan said.

It's understood that Berridge was intoxicated and behaved unprofessionally in front of sponsors at the Fight for Life, which was headlined by Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker.

Given Berridge's entertaining style, he would be a viable drawcard to add to the next Super 8 card, which is set to take place in Christchurch in March, although it's understood that Sky Arena, who promote the Super 8, have not made him an official offer.

The 30-year-old Berridge (24-2-1) has shown promise, although the loss to Lepikhin exposed his lack of footwork, something which he worked on recently during a camp in Thailand.