Salford boxer Jamie Moore remains under armed guard in a Marbella hospital after being shot in the kneecaps in a gangland-style attack.
The 35-year-old former European light-middleweight is currently out in Spain training when the attack occurred last night.
According to reports, Moore was the victim of mistaken identity as he left the Puerto Banus home of friend Daniel Kinahan – son of Irish underworld figure Christy Kinahan.
The boxer took to his Twitter account to assure fans who might have been worried after the incident.
Thanks for all the well wishes. Overwhelmed. Gutted and confused about what happened, but thank God I’m ok. X
— Jamie Moore (@JamieMoore777) August 5, 2014
It’s at times like this that you realise how well your thought of. I’ve had unbelievable support. Means a lot it really does. #BoxingFamily
— Jamie Moore (@JamieMoore777) August 5, 2014
Birmingham fighter Matthew Macklin, who Moore was training, tweeted that the two-time British light-middleweight champion was in a stable condition after being shot five times.
“Just to let everyone know Jamie Moore is still in hospital but he’s ok. He was shot in his legs but the doctors have said there shouldn’t be any serious or permanent damage,” he posted.
Just to let everyone know Jamie Moore is still in hospital but he’s ok. He was shot in his legs but the doctors have said there shouldn’t be
— matthew macklin (@mattmacklin) August 4, 2014
Any serious or permanent damage done.
— matthew macklin (@mattmacklin) August 4, 2014
Former Commonwealth champion Moore, who had a record of 32 wins from 37 bouts with 23 being knockouts, was on the verge of a WBC title shot in 2009 but decided to quit the sport in 2010 on medical grounds.
After retiring he went into training and punditry on Sky Sports.
After hearing the news fellow boxers and fans took to social media to give their support to the boxer, who was highly regarded both as a fighter and a trainer.
Professional cruiserweight boxer Jon-Lewis Dickinson posted: “Hope Jamie Moore recovers well after his incident, I bet the bloke who shot him wouldn’t stand and fight him like a man.”
Hope Jamie Moore recovers well after his incident, I bet the bloke who shot him wouldn’t stand and fight him like a man
— Jon-lewis Dickinson (@jonlewis_D) August 5, 2014
As well as training Macklin, Moore also trained Hull lightweight Tommy Coyle who sent his best wishes to his trainer.
It’s not my place to comment on my friend & trainer Jamie Moore’s situation. Jamie is stable and will be ok that’s all I can say right now.
— Tommy Coyle (@TommyCoyle89) August 4, 2014
You don’t realise how much you care & love some one until you almost lose them. J is a strong individual he be ok. pic.twitter.com/TF6yGhXlma
— Tommy Coyle (@TommyCoyle89) August 4, 2014
Fan Tommy Lloyd Jnr also sent a message which read: “Jamie Moore being shot in both legs. Mistaken identity or has Jamie been dabbling in naughty things? Regardless I hope he recovers fully.”
Jamie Moore being shot in both legs. Mistaken identity or has Jamie been dabbling in naughty things? Regardless I hope he recovers fully.
— Tommy Lloyd Jnr (@Thomaskingsley) August 5, 2014
Spanish police are continuing their investigation.
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, with thanks
