Naseem Hamed's long association with Brendan Ingle's famous Sheffield gymnasium is at an end.

Following months of speculation and visible evidence of the breakdown of their relationship, the two issued a joint statement last night indicating their fighter-trainer partnership was over.

Ingle was also informed that Hamed would be splitting with his two sons, John and Dominic, who supervised much of the World Boxing Organisation featherweight champion's fitness routines and sparring in the build-up to his recent title defence against Wayne McCullough in Atlantic City.

Hamed (24) joined Ingle's gymnasium as a seven-year-old and has grown up there alongside fellow boxers like Ryan Rhodes and Johnny Nelson.

But the family atmosphere soured earlier this year when Ingle was openly critical of his protege in Nick Pitt's book Paddy and the Prince.

And, after the chaotic few days before the McCullough contest, ringside observers were shocked to see Hamed blatantly ignore the 56-year-old Irishman between rounds as he attempted to give advice as head cornerman. At one stage, Hamed pushed Ingle away.

Hamed said last night: "You cannot dismiss the time we have spent together. We have shared some very special times." Ingle echoed those sentiments, but the public show of good spirit hides deeper grievances.