Former boxing promoter Frank Maloney is undergoing a sex change and now lives as a woman called Kellie, it has been reported.
The 61-year-old, who guided Lennox Lewis to the world heavyweight title, has told how she could no long "keep living in the shadows."
She told the Sunday Mirror: "I wasn't born into the right body, I have always known I was a woman."
The newspaper told in a six-page story how Kellie's unhappiness over her secret wish to be a woman ended her marriage, and she has no intention of looking for a relationship in her new life.
"At this very moment I am preparing to live the rest of my life as a single person," she says.
She says the boxing community can think whatever it wants about her now.
"I hope society will be open minded. I know I could have done my job in boxing as a female."
Maloney announced his intention to call time on his 30-year career with immediate effect last October.
His decision brought an end to a colourful career which saw him guide Lewis to glory despite memorably being derided as a ''mental midget'' by US promoter Don King.
Lewis took to Twitter when Maloney retired to say: ''Big up 2 @FrankMaloney on a massive career in the fight game. Gonna miss those Union Jack suits. All the best to u and urs.''
Maloney's garish suits might have earned him fame as Lewis's sidekick, but his jovial image belied a shrewd boxing brain as he swerved King's obstacles to lead Lewis to the top.
Sex change: Boxing promoter Frank Maloney speaks during a press conference in Liverpool on July 4, 2013
Maloney said when he retired: ''Boxing has given me some great times but it's not the same business I grew to love any more.
''The characters have gone and gradually over the last six months I have realised that I don't want to be involved in it any more.
''I am now going to go travelling through Europe with my two Airedales and see how far I can get. You never know, in six months I might miss it, but I know now it is the right time to finish.''
Boxing journalist Steve Bunce tweeted his support for Maloney Sunday morning.
But Heather Ashton, managing director transgender group TG Pals, who are working with Maloney, told the BBC that Kellie faced particular challenges.
"This is a big deal for any transgender person but particularly for Kellie who's been in the public eye for such a long time.
"This group of people are the last societal group to achieve equality and to be socially accepted."
Frank Maloney Through The Years
Boxing - Frank Maloney Filer(01 of51)
Previously unissued photo dated 23/02/2013 of promoter Frank Maloney at the Echo Arena, Liverpool. (credit:Dave Thompson/PA Archive)
Frank Maloney Through The Years(02 of51)
Boxing promoter Frank Maloney speaks during a press conference in Liverpool on July 4, 2013, ahead of his heavyweight boxing match between British boxer David Price and US boxer Tony Thompson on July 6. AFP PHOTP/PAUL ELLIS (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:PAUL ELLIS via Getty Images)
Frank Maloney Through The Years(03 of51)
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Fr L to R, Frank Maloney, Lennox Lewis' manager, Panos Eliades, promotor of the fight, South African boxer Francois Botha Frank Warren, the promotor of both fighters, await the arrival of World Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis, 12 July 2000 at a press conference. Botha will challenge Briton Lennox Saturday night for his WBC ad IBF world heavyweight titles in the British capital. ELECTRONIC IMAGE (AFP / Martyn Hayhow) (Photo credit should read MARTYN HAYHOW/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:MARTYN HAYHOW via Getty Images)
Frank Maloney Through The Years(04 of51)
Lennox Lewis of London, England, center, poses for a photo with his manager Frank Maloney, right, and his mother Violet, left, after winning the 12 round Heavyweight Championship bout against David Tua, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2000 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Frank Maloney Through The Years(05 of51)
FILE -- In this Nov. 13, 1999, file photo, Frank Maloney, manager for Lennox Lewis, strikes a boxer's pose in the ring after his fighter won his heavyweight bout against Evander Holyfield in Las Vegas. Maloney, who was taken to the hospital after finding Olympic bronze medalist Darren Sutherland hanged at home, had a heart attack three days earlier at a contested heavyweight fight. The 55-year-old Maloney said Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009, he did not suspect he had a heart attack at the Tyson Fury-John McDermott fight, which ended in a contested decision in Fury's favor.(AP Photo/Laura Rauch) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Frank Maloney Through The Years(06 of51)
U.S. boxing promoter Don King, left, gestures alongside Britain's Frank Maloney in London Tuesday, October 13, 1998, during a press conference to discuss the prospect of an upcoming fight between WBA and IBF heavyweight titlist Evander Holyfield and WBC champion Lennox Lewis. (AP Photo/Rosie Hallam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Frank Maloney Through The Years(07 of51)
WBC heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, right, and his promoter Frank Maloney, celebrate his victory over Oliver McCall Friday night, Feb. 7, 1997, at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. Lewis captured the title with a fifth round TKO of McCall. (AP Photo/Jeff Scheid) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Frank Maloney Through The Years(08 of51)
Boxing promoter Don King, center, announces an upcoming heavyweight fight between Lennox Lewis, left, and Tony Tucker, right, at a news conference in New York on Sunday, March 7, 1993. Lewis, the World Boxing Council champion, will make his first title defense against Tucker on May 8 in Las Vegas, Nev. Lewis? manager, Frank Maloney is bottom center. (AP Photo) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Boxing - Heavyweight Bout - David Price v Tony Thompson - Echo Arena(09 of51)
David Price with promoter Frank Maloney (left) after his fight against Tony Thompson was stopped in their Heavyweight bout at the Echo Arena, Liverpool. (credit:Dave Thompson/PA Archive)
Boxing - Aintree Equestrian Centre(10 of51)
David Price (right) celebrates his victory over Matt Skelton with promoter Frank Maloney (left) during the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Title fight at Aintree Equestrian Centre, Liverpool. (credit:Peter Byrne/PA Archive)
Boxing - David Price and Matt Skelton Press Conference - Cafe Sport England(11 of51)
Boxing promoter Frank Maloney following a head to head press conference at Cafe Sport England, Liverpool. (credit:Nick Potts/PA Archive)
Boxing - David Price and Matt Skelton Press Conference - Cafe Sport England(12 of51)
Liverpool's David Price (r) with promoter Frank Maloney following a head to head press conference at Cafe Sport England, Liverpool. (credit:Nick Potts/PA Archive)
Boxing - David Price and Matt Skelton Press Conference - Cafe Sport England(13 of51)
Promoter Frank Maloney following a head to head press conference at Cafe Sport England, Liverpool. (credit:Nick Potts/PA Archive)
Boxing - David Price and Matt Skelton Press Conference - Cafe Sport England(14 of51)
Promoter Frank Maloney following a head to head press conference at Cafe Sport England, Liverpool. (credit:Nick Potts/PA Archive)
Boxing - Oldham Sports Centre(15 of51)
Promoters Frank Maloney, left, and Ricky Hatton share a joke after the Jon Lewis Dickinson and Matty Askin Cruiserweight bout at the Sports Centre, Oldham. (credit:Dave Thompson/PA Archive)
Darren Sutherland inquest(16 of51)
Boxing manager Frank Maloney leaves Croydon Coroner's Court where an inquest is being held into the death of boxer Darren Sutherland. (credit:Ian Nicholson/PA Archive)
Boxing - BBBofC British Featherweight Title - Martin Lindsay v Jamie Arthur - Indoor Sports Centre(17 of51)
Promoter Frank Maloney watches the action from ringside during the BBBofC British featherweight title at the Indoor Sports Centre, Leigh. (credit:Dave Thompson/PA Archive)
Frank Maloney election campaign(18 of51)
Boxing promoter Frank Maloney, with 8-year-old daughter Libby, outside barking Station where he was canvassing support for his bid to stand as a UKIP candidate for Barking. (credit:Fiona Hanson/PA Archive)
Frank Maloney election campaign(19 of51)
Boxing promoter Frank Maloney, with 8-year-old daughter Libby, outside barking Station where he was canvassing support for his bid to stand as a UKIP candidate for Barking. (credit:Fiona Hanson/PA Archive)
Frank Maloney election campaign(20 of51)
Boxing promoter Frank Maloney outside barking Station where he was canvassing support for his bid to stand as a UKIP candidate for Barking. (credit:Fiona Hanson/PA Archive)
Boxing - British Bantamweight Title - Gary Davies v Ian Napa - Bolton Arena(21 of51)
A dejected Gary Davies (right) and promoter Frank Maloney after he lost to Ian Napa in the British Bantamweight title fight at the Bolton Arena, Bolton. (credit:Dave Thompson/PA Archive)
Boxing - British Super-Bantamweight Title fight - Jason Booth v Michael Hunter - Seaburn Centre - Sunderland(22 of51)
Great Britain's Jason Booth (right ) with promoter Frank Maloney (centre) and Rendall Munroe (left) after the British Super-Bantamweight Title fight at the Seaburn Centre, Sunderland. (credit:Dave Thompson/PA Archive)
Boxing - Weigh In - Sunderland Aquatic Center(23 of51)
Tony Jefferies (right) and opponent Roy Meissner (left) during the weigh in at the Sunderland Aquatic Center with promoter Frank Maloney. (credit:Owen Humphreys/PA Archive)
Boxing - Tony Jeffries and Darren Sutherland Press Conference - Waldorf Hilton Hotel(24 of51)
Boxing promotor Frank Maloney introduces his two new signings, Olympic bronze medal winners Darren Sutherland (right) and Tony Jeffries (centre) at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel in Aldwych, London. (credit:Ian Nicholson/PA Archive)
Boxing - WBO Featherweight Title - Scott Harrison v Michael Brodie - Manchester MEN Arena(25 of51)
Scotland's Scott Harrison celebrates with promoter Frank Maloney after his win against England's Michael Brodie. (credit:Martin Rickett/PA Archive)
Scott Harrison - WBO Featherweight Championship(26 of51)
Scotland's Scott Harrison, with his manager Frank Maloney, after stopping American-based Armenian William Abelyan in the third round in their WBO Featherweight world championship bout at the Braehead Arena, Glasgow. 29/10/04: Maloney insists fight fans should disregard the fact that WBO featherweight champion Scott Harrison is an overwhelming favourite to retain his belt against challenger Samuel Kebede at Braehead. Despite the Swedish-based Ethiopian being unbeaten, some bookmakers are making the Cambuslang fighter as little as 1/14 on to defend his title for what will be a record fifth time. But Harrison's manager claims outsiders have triumphed in the past and urged the Scotsman's supporters not to get too complacent. (credit:Maurice McDonald/PA Archive)
Frank Maloney - Sport Aid(27 of51)
Boxing promoter Frank Maloney arrives in a three-wheel van at The Sports Cafe in London's Haymarket. Maloney is is the UKIP candidate for London Mayor. (credit:Ian West/PA Archive)
Frank Warren/ Maloney(28 of51)
Boxing promoter Frank Warren (left) with boxer Matthew "the Rock" Ellis and boxing manager Frank Maloney (right) at a press conference to publicise forthcoming bouts, held at the Hotel Russell in London. (credit:Tom Hevezi/PA Archive)
Lennox Lewis (29 of51)
Heavyweight boxer Lennox Lewis (right) holds a piece of artwork given to him by a local artist, as he poses for photographers with manager Frank Maloney during a press conference at Carnival City, Johannesburg (credit:Nick Potts/PA Archive)
Wimbledon 2000 Maloney(30 of51)
NO COMMERCIAL USE: Boxing promoter Frank Maloney at Wimbledon, to lend his support to Britain's Tim Henman. Maloney and assistants Patrica Jones (L) and Karen White also promoted the next World Heavyweight fight between Lennox Lewis and Frans Botha. * at the London Arena on 15/7/00. (credit:Sean Dempsey/PA Archive)
Boxing - World Heavyweight Championship - Lennox Lewis v Francois Botha - Lennox Lewis Training(31 of51)
Lennox Lewis (l) talks to manager Frank Maloney (r) (credit:Nick Potts/EMPICS Sport)
Boxing - WBC Heavyweight Championship - Lennox Lewis v Michael Grant - Madison Square Garden(32 of51)
Frank Maloney stands with Lennox Lewis and Paul Ingel during a press conference (credit:Nick Potts/EMPICS Sport)
Boxing - WBC Heavyweight Championship - Lennox Lewis v Michael Grant - Madison Square Garden - Weigh In (33 of51)
Boxing manager Frank Maloney sits alone with his thoughts as speculation rises concerning his future as manager of Lennox Lewis and promotional contact with financial backer Panos Eliades (credit:Nick Potts/EMPICS Sport)
Boxing - WBO Super-Middleweight Championship - Joe Calzaghe v David Starie - Press Conference(34 of51)
Frank Maloney (credit:Magi Haroun/EMPICS Sport)
Boxing - WBC Heavyweight Championship - Lennox Lewis v Michael Grant - Madison Square Garden - Weigh In (35 of51)
Boxing manager Frank Maloney sits alone with his thoughts as speculation rises about his future as manager of Lennox Lewis and promotional contact with financial backer Panos Eliades (credit:Nick Potts/EMPICS Sport)
Boxing - World Heavyweight Championship - Lennox Lewis Press Conference(36 of51)
Lennox Lewis (R) with manager Frank Maloney at the press conference (credit:John Marsh/EMPICS Sport)
Frank Maloney returns Heathrow(37 of51)
Frank Maloney (Lennox Lewis' manager) with Lewis's mother Violet at Heathrow Airport when they arrived back from New York. (credit:Tim Ockenden/PA Archive)
BOXING King/Maloney3(38 of51)
Evander Holyfield's promoter Don King (centre) flanked by WBC champion Lennox Lewis's promoter Panos Eliades (right) and his manager Frank Maloney during a photocall in London this afternoon (Tuesday), regarding the forthcoming Lewis v Holyfield World Title fight. See PA Story BOXING Lewis. Photo by Toby Melville/PA (credit:Toby Melville/PA Archive)
BOXING King/Maloney(39 of51)
Don King (right), who promotes WBA and IBF holder Evander Holyfield, with Frank Maloney, manager of WBC champion Lennox Lewis, during today's (Tuesday) news conference in London, regarding the forthcoming Lewis v Holyfield World Title fight. See PA Story BOXING Lewis. Photo by Toby Melville. (credit:PA Archive)
BOXING Don King 2(40 of51)
Larger-than-life American promoter Don King, met with boxing manager Frank Maloney (left), who represents WBC champion Lennox Lewis, in London today (Monday), after Mr King made a forthright claim he is going to give the world the title the match it demands - Lennox Lewis against Evander Holyfield. Photo by Toby Melville. (credit:PA Archive)
BOXING Lewis/Maloney writ(41 of51)
Heavyweight boxer Lennox Lewis (right) with his manager Frank Maloney at a London news conference to announce he has had a High Court writ served against WBC Heavyweight champion Frank Bruno. The move of the Lewis camp is to prevent Bruno from defending his newly-won title against Mike Tyson before Lewis. (credit:John Stillwell/PA Archive)
Lennox Lewis & Frank Maloney(42 of51)
Olympic and Commonwealth Heavyweight Gold Medalist Lennox Lewis (right) with his promoter Frank Maloney at a press conference at Scribes wine bar in London, to announce Lewis' upcoming fight with Andy Gerrard. * 7/11/01: Former World Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis (right) with his promoter Frank Maloney at a press conference at Scribes wine bar in London. Lennox Lewis has parted company with his long term manager Frank Maloney. Lewis is currently in training for his re-match against Hasim Rahman. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Boxnation Press Conference(43 of51)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 26: Frank Warren, Richard Brooke, Jim Mcmunn and Frank Maloney during the Boxnation Press Conference on June 26, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images) (credit:Charlie Crowhurst via Getty Images)
Boxnation Press Conference(44 of51)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 26: Barry McGuigan, Ricky Hatton, Frank Warren and Frank Maloney during the Boxnation Press Conference on June 26, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images) (credit:Charlie Crowhurst via Getty Images)
David Price v Tony Thompson - International Heavyweight Fight(45 of51)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: Frank Maloney the promoter of David Price of Great Britain looks on prior to the International Heavyweight Fight between David Price and Tony Thompson at the Echo Arena on February 23, 2013 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Alex Livesey via Getty Images)
David Price v Audley Harrison - British & Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship Fight(46 of51)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 13: David Price celebrates victory over Audley Harrison during their British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship fight also in the ring celebrating is Price's promoter Frank Maloney (left) on October 13, 2012 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images) (credit:Scott Heavey via Getty Images)
London Mayor Ken Livingston (L) laughs w(47 of51)
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: London Mayor Ken Livingston (L) laughs with competitor for the office of mayor Frank Maloney of UK Independence Party after the two bumped into each other while campaigning in London's Brixton Market 08 June 2004. Britons will cast their ballots 10 June for new members of the European Parliament and a number of local councils, as well as for the London mayoralty and assembly. AFP PHOTO/JOSHUA ROBERTS (Photo credit should read JOSHUA ROBERTS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JOSHUA ROBERTS via Getty Images)
Lennox Lewis, Frank Maloney and Panos Eliades(48 of51)
23 Nov 1999: Lennox Lewis flanked by his manager Frank Maloney and co-promoter Panos Eliades during a press conference at the Cafe de Paris in London, after Lewis'' victory over Evander Holyfield to become the undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World. \ Mandatory Credit: Ian Walton /Allsport (credit:Ian Walton via Getty Images)
LEWIS V MORRISON(49 of51)
7 OCT 1995: LENNOX LEWIS HOLDS HIS ARMS ALOFT IN VICTORY WITH HIS MOTHER (FOREGROUND), LARRY HAZARD (RIGHT) AND HIS MANAGER FRANK MALONEY (LEFT) AFTER A TECHNICAL KNOCK OUT IN THE 6TH ROUND TO DEFEAT TOMMY MORRISON AT THE ATLANTIC CITY CONVENTION CENTERI (credit:Simon Bruty via Getty Images)
Frank Maloney(50 of51)
8 May 1993: Frank Maloney looks on during a press conference after a bout between Lewis and Tucker. Mandatory Credit: Holly Stein /Allsport (credit:Holly Stein via Getty Images)
Lennox Lewis and Frank Maloney(51 of51)
1992: Heavyweight boxer Lennox Lewis of Great Britain shows off his WBC belt with his manager Frank Maloney. \ Mandatory Credit: Gray Mortimore/Allsport (credit:Gray Mortimore via Getty Images)