Richie Woodhall has cited irreconcilable differences between himself and the Amateur Boxing Association's head coach Terry Edwards for his decision to step down as the organisation's high performance director after just four months in the post.

The former WBC supermiddleweight champion has confirmed his resignation following talks with top ABA officials, and said he now intended to pursue business ventures.

Woodhall's appointment had never received universal support given his lack of coaching qualifications, and the 37-year-old said yesterday that he was fighting a losing battle to get his ideas across.

Woodhall said: "I can no longer work under these conditions. It was no secret that my relationship with Terry Edwards was very difficult.

"I got on with Terry as I got on with everybody, but I just felt that with the way things were going the ABA needed to change.

"I was prepared to make those changes but others were not so willing, and unless they are going to embrace those changes then I am afraid the ABA will continue to fail."

Woodhall, who will accept a part-time position as one of a number of new big-name amateur boxing consultants, also said he was not prepared to "play second fiddle" for two years before he attained the required elite coaching qualifications.

The timing of Woodhall's departure will come as a blow following the publicity generated following Amir Khan's success.