Andrzej Fonfara joins Amir Khan in Virgil Hunter's stable

Former world light-heavyweight title challenger Andrzej Fonfara has confirmed joining trainer Virgil Hunter.

The 28-year-old (28-4-KO16), who outpointed Nathan Cleverly in October 2015, has parted ways with former mentor Sam Colonna in the wake of June's shock first-round stoppage defeat to Joe Smith Jr (22-1-KO18).

Fonfara, who was previously based in Chicago, said: "It was a hard decision for both me and Sam Colonna, who spent with me 10 great years, but I decided to make a change.

"Virgil Hunter, a coach with a great pedigree, who was working with Andre Ward when he was an Olympic champion in Athens and now when Andre is considered as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet, is my choice as a new trainer.

"I had choices, my team, manager Al Haymon, my promoters suggested some very accomplished names but after my four days in Oakland, I had no doubt that Virgil should be my next trainer. Everything went well - we had an instant understanding what and how we want to go about rest of my career.

"I have no idea what's next, what opponent can I expect after these three months. Maybe a rematch with Joe Smith Jr, maybe something completely different. It will be up to me, my promoters and of course Virgil Hunter. I'm 28 years old, it was a necessary decision.

"This coming Saturday, I pack my bags, take my wife Justyna and two-month-old son Leo and fly to San Francisco. At least for the next three months, my life will be a very simple one: training and family. Nothing else."

Fonfara was defeated by WBC world champion Adonis Stevenson on points in May 2014. He joins Amir Khan under Hunter's tutelage.