Former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has admitted that he was "shocked" to learn that his former boxing manager Frank Maloney has been living the last year as a woman called Kellie.

The retired promoter, who has admitted that in his mind he has always been a woman, revealed at the weekend that he is undergoing gender reassignment.

Maloney worked as Lewis's manager between 1989 and 2001, and the former boxer has given his support to Kellie.

The 48-year-old wrote on his Facebook page: "I was just as shocked as anyone at the news about my former promoter and my initial thought was that it was a wind up. The great thing about life, and boxing, is that, day to day, you never know what to expect.

"This world we live in isn't always cut and dried or black and white, and coming from the boxing fraternity, I can only imagine what a difficult decision this must be for Kellie (formerly Frank Maloney).

"However, having taken some time to read Kellie's statements, I understand better what she, and others in similar situations, are going through. I think that ALL people should be allowed to live their lives in a way that brings them harmony and inner peace. I respect Kellie's decision and say that if this is what brings about true happiness in her life, than so be it. #LiveAndLetLive."

Maloney has been undergoing hormone therapy.