Andrzej Fonfara celebrates huge win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr

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.

Joe Smith Jr turns away after flooring Andrzej Fonfara

"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.

Virgil Hunter already trains former world champion Amir Khan

"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.