Scott Harrison's manager Frank Maloney has decided to "take a backward step" and leave the troubled WBO featherweight champion to tackle his personal problems after admitting he fears for the fighter's life.
The 28-year-old from Cambuslang was taken to London for more counselling as he battles depression and alcohol problems but discharged himself from a clinic again. And now Maloney, who has been with the fighter since he was 18, has been forced to wash his hands of Harrison after coming to loggerheads with his father and trainer Peter.
He said: "He left the place where we put him in rehab over the weekend. I feel I can't do any more to help the situation. I have spent the last 10 days completely involved in Scott Harrison's business and his problems.
"He doesn't seem to want to listen to anybody or take any advice. I'm worried about his life because he obviously has a serious problem now. It is now causing rifts between Peter and myself over the way it has been dealt with.
"I have now decided to take a backward step and let his family deal with it. They feel there is a different solution. But I fear for his life if he can't beat his demons."
Maloney admits he was wrong to allow himself to become so close to the fighter, but he still believes Harrison could return to the ring with the right help.
He continued: "Getting involved so much was the worse thing I have done but I don't regret doing it. I have spoken to people and I have known a lot of people with similar problems, but I overstepped the professional boundaries and got involved with Scott personally and emotionally, and maybe I should not have done.
Maloney has told Harrison and his father that his phone will stay on if he needs help reviving his career: "I have said to Peter that I am there in a boxing position to help him and get him through that side of it. On the other side of it I can do no more but if they need help and someone to talk to I am only a telephone call away."
Maloney has spent so much time with Harrison that he admits he has neglected his family and other interests: "It has taken it's toll over time and I have neglected my own business interests over the last seven days. I have Carl Froch fighting Brian Magee for the British and Commonwealth super-middleweight title at Bethnal Green on Friday, and I have not done any work on them and have neglected these fighters.
"I have also neglected my own family over the last 10 days so I need to put that right."