Lennox Lewis issues statement in support of Frank Maloney after his former boxing promoter reveals he is living as a woman called Kellie and preparing for sex-change

Kellie has felt like this since childhood: 'I can't keep living in the shadows' Maloney quit boxing last year to prepare for new life as a woman Lennox Lewis has issued a statement in support of Frank Maloney following the news that his former boxing promoter is now living as a woman called Kellie and is preparing to have a sex change. VIDEO Scroll down to watch 'Maloney talks about his heart attack in 2009, before sex change' New world: Kellie Maloney, formerly boxing promoter Frank, will undergo gender reassignment after feeling trapped in the wrong body Glove story: Maloney is best known for managing Lewis, who rose to become heavyweight champion of the world Belting: Maloney with Lewis after the Londoner had defeated Gary Mason to win the British heavyweight title Happy: Maloney says she cannot continue 'living in the shadows' and that is why she has come to this decision Posting on his Facebook page, Lewis wrote: '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. Ecstasy: Maloney as Frank, reacts after managing Lennox Lewis to the World Heavyweight title in 1997 Living a lie: Maloney admitted she has felt trapped in a man's body since she was a child and with a young Lewis in 1989 Winner: Maloney celebrates after Lewis beat Donovan 'Razor' Ruddock for the Commonwealth heavyweight title at Earl's Court in 1992 SUCCESS STORY Maloney was both a promoter and manager and the boxers he has worked with include. Smile: Maloney with British cruiserweight Jon Lewis Dickinson following his victory over Shane McPhilbin in 2012 Team: Maloney with promoter Frank Warren and their client Scott Harrison in 2003, here with the WBO featherweight title The power of three: Maloney, Warren and the king of the promoters, the controversial and outspoken American Don King A number of celebrities have expressed their support for Kellie's decision.