FRANK WARREN DROPS CONTRACT BOMBSHELL THAT STOPS DANA WHITE FROM PROMOTING ANTHONY JOSAHUA VS TYSON FURY

 

Frank Warren has poured cold water on Dana White's claims that he will promote Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury.

Warren told assembled media on Saturday night, after Daniel Dubois' gutsy stoppage win over Fabio Wardley, that it is contractually impossible for the Zuffa Boxing chief to be involved in such a capacity.

Joshua and Fury have signed to fight each other after their respective tune-up fightsCredit: Getty

"Well, he's not [promoting Joshua vs Fury] because the contract with Tyson says that Zuffa will not be able to promote that fight," said Warren.

"I don't know [where he has got that from]. Ask him. I mean, it is just b******."

When Warren's comments were put to White at the Zuffa Boxing 06 post-fight press conference on Sunday, he quipped: "Then he must be right."

"I'm going to leave that alone," he added. "Apparently, I'm not the promoter, according to some people."

Queensberry vs Zuffa Boxing

Earlier this year, Warren threatened legal action against Saudi Arabian state-owned entertainment and hospitality company Sela and TKO Group Holdings, the American media conglomerate that owns the UFC and WWE.

TKO inked a five-year partnership with Sela and Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh to form Zuffa Boxing last year.

Warren alleged in a 'letter before action' sent to relevant parties that the joint venture breached contracts that his promotional outfit, Queensberry, had signed with the Saudis and TKO.

Queensberry claims to have signed an exclusive deal with Sela in September 2023 to provide boxing services.

Warren's company says it also reached a separate agreement with TKO, granting the sports giant access to Queenberry's online data, including details of its contract with Sela.

Queensberry alleges that TKO and Sela used privileged information to go behind its back to create their new entity.

Warren has threatened legal action against TKO and SelaCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom

There has been no development on the case since February, when it was revealed Warren was preparing legal action.

Alalshikh and Warren sat next to each other at ringside for Fury's comeback fight with Arslanbek Makhmudov, and will work together for Joshua vs Fury, which is being targeted for the back end of the year after both men participate in tune-up fights.

Discussing the current state of his relationship with the Saudis during a recent appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show, Warren said: "Riyadh Season for me was a blast, everyone cooperated to put on some great shows, and I enjoyed it.

"But things are what they are, and you have to keep evolving and moving on.

"They are talking about Agit [Kabayel] fighting [Oleksandr] Usyk, and Agit is with us, so if that is going to happen, then we are going to have to work together on it.

"The same with Hamzah Sheeraz, it's the same thng."

- George Glinski

FIVE BOXERS TYSON FURY COULD FACE BEFORE ANTHONY JOSAHUA FIGHT AS FRANK WARREN CONFIRMS PLANS

Fans could see Tyson Fury back in the ring before a blockbuster fight against Anthony Joshua later this year... but against who?

Tyson Fury is set to fight Anthony Joshua(Image: (Mark Robinson/Getty Images))

1. The heavyweights in the frame: Staying active: Tyson Fury has reportedly instructed Frank Warren to secure an interim date to avoid the ring rust that plagued his early rounds against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It has been said that the Gypsy King feels that a second training camp this year could be essential for his mental discipline and physical conditioning before facing a revitalised Joshua.

2. Makhmudov rematch: A second bout with Makhmudov may remain a viable fallback option given the Russian's durability and the commercial success of their first encounter on Netflix. While Fury won convincingly on the scorecards, Makkmudov's early aggression provided the exact type of hair-raising moments that keep the public engaged.

3. Big Bang threat: Zhilei Zhang stands out as a highly feasible candidate because his southpaw stance and massive power would offer Fury the ultimate tactical dress rehearsal. Despite being in the twilight of his career, 'Big Bang' remains a top-tier gatekeeper whose involvement would draw massive international viewership and test Fury's defensive reflexes.

4. The Bakole challenge: Choosing Martin Bakole would silence critics who claim Fury is looking for an easy touch, as the Congolese giant possesses the engine and physical size to make every round a gruelling chore. The 32-year-old hasn't fought since his draw against Efe Ajagba in May 2025.

5. Joshua's risky tune-up: Anthony Joshua is set to face the Albanian Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on July 25, a fight that Frank Warren warned could "kill" the Fury bout if an upset occurs. Because Prenga boasts a formidable knockout ratio, the entire 2026 boxing calendar rests on Joshua successfully navigating this dangerous hurdle without sustaining an injury.

6. WBC interim situation: Agit Kabayel currently holds a position of power as the WBC interim champion, making a fight with Fury logically consistent for the governing body's rankings. A victory over Kabayel would allow Fury to walk into the Joshua fight as the undisputed focus of the WBC, removing any political obstacles regarding mandatory challengers.

7. British domestic clash: Fabio Wardley remains a dark horse for the interim slot due to his recent surge in popularity and his status as a fellow Queensberry-promoted fighter. A domestic showdown with Wardley - who faces Daniel Dubois next week - would serve as a perfect "Battle of Britain" appetiser, though some believe the risk of a domestic upset is too high for such a late stage in negotiations.

8. Timing and logistics: The proposed interim fight would likely need to take place in late summer or early autumn to allow for a three-month recovery and preparation window before the Joshua clash. This tight turnaround requires an opponent who is already in active training and ready to sign a contract without prolonged promotional disputes.

9. Saudi Arabian backing: Most of these potential matchups are contingent on the support of Riyadh Season, which has become the primary financial engine for the heavyweight division's biggest events. Regardless of whether the fight lands in London or Saudi Arabia, the organisers are keen to ensure both Fury and Joshua enter their final 2026 clash at their absolute best.

10. READ THE FULL STORY ON ANTHONY JOSHUA'S DIG AT TYSON FURY: Tyson Fury immediately takes dig from Anthony Joshua as two fights announced

- Fasika Zelealem

FRANK WARREN: TYSON FURY ASKING FOR WARM-UP FIGHT BEFORE FACING ANTHONY JOSAHUA

Fury ended a 14-month hiatus from boxing earlier this month when he beat Arslanbek Makhmudov on points.

Fury ended a 14-month hiatus from boxing earlier this month when he beat Arslanbek Makhmudov on points.

Tyson Fury has instructed his team to arrange another warm-up fight before a ‘Battle of Britain’ with long-standing rival Anthony Joshua.

Fury ended a 14-month hiatus this month when he got the better of Arslanbek Makhmudov on points at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and subsequently traded verbal insults with a ringside Joshua.

It ramped up excitement ahead of an eagerly anticipated domestic bout which has been years in the making and this week Joshua signed a contract to finally fight Fury, but another potential spanner in the works has emerged.

Joshua was already set for a tune-up bout on July 25 with Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga which Queensberry promoter Frank Warren suggested could “kill” any contest with Fury later in 2026 if an upset occurred.

However, Warren has confirmed Fury also intends to step back in the ring before he faces Joshua in a move which casts further doubt on the bout and increases the risk of an injury for either British heavyweight.

“I think he will probably want to be doing something in between, let’s see,” Warren said.

“AJ has got his fight. Tyson, I’m quite sure, will have a fight in between. That’s what he’s asking for and we’ll see where we go from there.”

- George Sessions

JOE JOYCE BELIEVES HE WILL REPEAT THE WIN OVER FILIP HRGOVIC: "I LOOK FORWARD TO KNOCKING HIM OUT ON SATURDAY NIGHT"

Joe Joyce vs Filip Hrgovic press conference quotes

The leading cast for the ‘Heavy Impact’ card that will take place on Saturday at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester gathered at the venue today for the final press conference ahead of fight night, being broadcast live on DAZN.

Joe Joyce goes up against Filip Hrgovic in the headline attraction, with the British heavyweight title being fought for between David Adeleye and Jeamie TKV.

Frank Warren

“Saturday is a new era for us, we are on DAZN and we will be seen worldwide, which is a great, great showcase for all the fighters. We are competitive, like the boxers and certainly like the rest of the promoters on DAZN, we aim to be the best and put the best shows on and our start is a fabulous one.

“The main event between Joe and Filip is a cracker of a fight, it is a fight with jeopardy involved where the winner will go on and the loser will have a hard, hard task to get back into the mix at the top. We all know what is on the line and they know that better than anybody else in this room. So I am looking forward to a great fight and a fabulous, fabulous undercard.”

Joe Joyce

“It is a great fight, entertainment, and I expect a great performance. It is good to share the ring with Hrgovic again, we had a good scrap last time about 12 years ago. The same result is going to happen, I’m going to win and then get elevated back up to the top of the sport. I am really excited to be here again, there is a lot of excitement here and it is going to be a great night of boxing.

“I know exactly what to expect from him and I have worked with Abel [trainer, Sanchez] before. He’s got a lot of mileage and has been in the sport a long time and had a lot of hard fights. I look forward to knocking him out on Saturday night.”

Filip Hrgovic

“Are we still main event after this? It was short notice, a few weeks, but I was already in good shape. That is why I accepted this fight and I think this is a good opportunity for me. This win, hopefully on Saturday, brings me back to the top and it is good to be part of this.

“Thanks to Queensberry and DAZN and I am looking forward to the win on Saturday, to knock him out and get back to the top. That is the plan. My motivation is big, for sure. I want to be back at the top and, like Frank said, the loser will be in a very bad position. I don’t want to lose.

“Man he is 40 years old. If he is 39 then he is young, I didn’t know that. Look, he is definitely not in the peak of his career, fighters get older and that is the reality, I am seven years younger. I think it will play a role in this fight.”

Jeamie TKV

“I am even more excited about this fight, To be honest, I am offended. I am offended by David’s behaviour. He knows me and I know him and the way he has been going about talking I am offending. The way he has been behaving is very disrespectful. I don’t take that lightly and I’m going to show him on Saturday.

“This persona that he is putting on, this bad boy persona. We are both educated men, both raised by great parents. So what are you? An academic gangster? I don’t know where this persona comes from my brother. You say you are going to knock me out, but when I say it I am being disrespectful?

“You are taking it personally that I am taking this fight. I see a scared man and I know when I see a scared man. What happened at Talksport was he couldn’t get to me, he tried saying I had lost too much weight and wouldn’t hold his shots. He got frustrated because I’m not reacting to him, so he decided to pipe up for no reason. He tried to pull up in my face."

David Adeleye

“All this educated gangster, I am just being myself. Of course it is personal, we are fighting in 48 hours. You don’t see a scared man, where do you see fear in me? Scared of what?

“You can ask me what happened at Talksport on Monday, I just cussed his weight, I cussed his appearance and he is obviously insecure about it. He’s got this cameraman, this Harry Hill looking guy recording and editing in a certain way. I did want to take this fight, me and you spoke on the phone and your managers were calling mine. What are you talking about?

“You called me and said I know you’re going to do Dacres and after that you were saying ‘you’re the truth’. Your manager said to me there is nothing for Jeamie, nothing going on for Jeamie and we know he ain’t getting nothing. Let’s be real about it. You’re a bitch. Every time I fight security come because they know I’m on smoke, with you there is no security.”

Delicious Orie

“I am just happy to be here, to be honest. When I started boxing in 2016 I saw Joyce win his silver medal, Hrgovic his bronze, David Adeleye and Jeamie TKV doing their thing as elite amateurs, so I was looking up to these guys. Here I am sat with them at the table, on the same card, I am living life at the moment.

“It will be different, there is a slight adaptation and for the last eight years I have just been focused on the Olympics, so for the last three months I have been working with Grant Smith in Sheffield just working on digging in a little bit more, planting my feet, getting used to the smaller gloves as well. I just can’t wait to put it all together this Saturday.

“Professional boxing is different. As an amateur I go in there to score the points to get my hand raised. It is different now, I actually have to hurt my opponent. That is the kind of spite I have been talking about.”

- Tim Rickson

FRANK WARREN AND EDDIE HEARN REACT TO NICK BALL KICK AGAINST TJ DOHENY

Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions

Promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn have given their thoughts on Nick Ball's kick against TJ Doheny on Saturday night. 

Taking place at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, Ball successfully defended his WBA featherweight title with Doheny being pulled out of the fight at the end of the tenth round. 

One talking point that has come from the aftermath is whether Ball should have been disqualified or had a point deducted after kicking Doheny.

The incident took place at the end of round one with Doheny having Ball in a headlock. The Liverpudlian then decided to retaliate by kicking his opponent and fell to the canvas. 

Speaking to iFL TV after Ball's win, his promoter Frank Warren gave his thoughts on the kick. 

"TJ was hanging on to him, he wouldn’t let go of his neck, he retaliated," Warren said.

"It’s unfortunate, but I don’t think it had any bearing on the fight."

Matchroom Boxing's Eddie Hearn was also asked about Ball's kick by iFL TV following Austin Williams' win over Patrice Volny and he gave the following response. 

"I haven’t really seen it in full, someone showed me it during the fight. 

"I don’t think it’s a disqualification; did they take a point? I mean it probably should have had a point deducted, but I don’t think you can really disqualify someone for that. 

"To be fair to Doheny he sort of had a roll around, like football style, and thought to himself ‘I can’t mug myself here, I’ve got to get up.' "

Ball's win extended his professional record to 22-0-1 (13 KOs) and is hoping to secure a unification clash or possible fight with Naoya Inoue later this year. 

- Matt Astbury

'GLADIATOR' ANTHONY JOSHUA WEIGHS IN SLIGHTLY HEAVIER THAN DANIEL DUBOIS

Matchroom Boxing 

Hundreds of boxing fans packed London's Trafalgar Square on Friday to watch Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois weigh in and face off for the final time before their IBF heavyweight title fight at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) weighed in at 252 pounds, slightly heavier than Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs), who topped the scales at 248 pounds.

After stepping off the scales, Joshua made a plea to fans, most of whom were cheering for him over his opponent.

"If I can ask you one favour, go home tonight and make a prayer for me, for success tomorrow, that I will become three-time heavyweight champion of the world," Joshua said.

"I look at myself as a gladiator, and I'm about to step into an arena tomorrow to perform for the people who love to see blood, guts and glory."

Dubois was slightly more reserved and appeared laser-focused.

"I'm ready to fight, just time to get in the ring and fight. I'm ready to go. A lot of work going into this, a lot of training. I win by any means necessary," Dubois said.

The weigh-in brought to a close an eventful fight week that has seen events take place at some of London's most iconic venues -- including media duties at Old Billingsgate, a photoshoot in front of Tower Bridge, grand arrivals in Leicester Square and a news conference at the Guildhall, built in 1440.

"With Riyadh season, they really do push the limits. In Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago, we took over Santa Monica Pier [and] the Chinese Theatre," Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, told ESPN.

"This is obviously Trafalgar Square ... so one, it's a lot closer to home, and two, it's a considerable cost and investment to do [hold events].

"It's been incredible the whole week, and this is the icing on the cake before what will be a historic night at Wembley tomorrow.

Of Joshua, Hearn said he is in career-best shape, but warned Dubois will offer a tough test.

"AJ's in a place that I've never seen him in before. I mean, I'm always nervous about his fights, but he just mentally, physically looks so ready. But Dubois is a handful, it's not going to be an easy fight," Hearn said.

"But I believe he'll be victorious tomorrow and become three-time world heavyweight champion.

Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, confirmed on Thursday that tickets had sold out, with a post-war-record crowd of 96,000 expected at Wembley on Saturday night.

Frank Warren, Dubois' promoter, said the event will be one to remember.

"Bombs away, that's what it's going to be," Warren said.

"I'm very excited, it's a massive massive fight and we're going to see fireworks tomorrow.

"[Dubois] is young man, just turned 27, he's shown what he's all about. He's calm, cool and collected. Tomorrow night, you're going to see something special."

- James Regan

ZHILEI ZHANG FINISHES DEONTAY WILDER IN 5TH--ROUND TKO

Zhilei Zhang scored a fifth-round TKO win over Deontay Wilder, who said before the fight that a loss could mean "the final goodbye." Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

 Zhilei Zhang scored the biggest win of his career Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and might have effectively ended former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder's run in the process.

China's Zhang, 41, connected with a perfectly timed counter right hook that spun Wilder in a daze. With Wilder defenseless, Zhang (27-2-1, 21 KOs) sprinted in and smashed him with another right hand that planted the American hard on the canvas.

Wilder, 38, somehow was on his feet before the count of 10, but his legs were unsteady and the referee wisely waved off the fight at 1:51 of Round 5.

"I blocked a few punches, but hell yeah, he punches hard," Zhang, speaking through an interpreter, said of Wilder (43-4-1, 42 KOs), who is regarded as one of the most powerful punchers in heavyweight history.

"I give him a lot of respect. He's a heavy puncher. ... I successfully took his right hand away."

Wilder has lost four of his past five fights, including a decision defeat to Joseph Parker in December along with a pair of losses to Tyson Fury in their heavyweight championship trilogy. Wilder said before the fight that if he lost, "this could be the final goodbye, the farewell of Deontay Wilder."

Zhang, too, was reeling from a decision defeat to Parker, the former heavyweight titleholder. Zhang floored Parker twice in March but still lost on the cards.

Now, he is back on what he called the "road to the champion." That's currently Oleksandr Usyk, who defeated Fury last month in Riyadh for the undisputed championship.

Zhang closed as the -150 favorite against Wilder, according to ESPN BET. He is ESPN's No. 6 heavyweight, and Wilder entered the ring at No. 7. Zhang won a silver medal as a super heavyweight at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing while Wilder claimed bronze in the heavyweight division.

They appeared to be in different weight classes Saturday, too, as Zhang outweighed Wilder by 68.2 pounds -- at 282.8 compared with Wilder's 214.6. There is no weight limit in boxing's heavyweight division.

Zhang used that size advantage to bully Wilder and smother him on the ropes. A southpaw, Zhang was able to connect with right hooks that scored time and again as Wilder cocked his vaunted right hand back but rarely let it go.

In Round 5, Zhang finally began to unload his best weapon. Wilder had just scored with a chopping right hand when he threw yet another right that was countered by Zhang for the finish.

The victory made it a clean sweep for Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions, which was squaring off with rival U.K. promoter Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing in a unique 5 vs. 5 team concept created by Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority.

After Zhang's TKO win, Alalshikh presented Warren with a large check worth $3 million.

- Mike Coppinger, ESPN Boxing Insider

ANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: BRITISH HEAVYWEIGHT AND UFC ICON SIGN DEAL FOR TEN-ROUND FIGHT IN SAUDI ARABIA

Anthony Joshua will face UFC legend Francis Ngannou in his next fight, promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed.

Ngannou shocked the world on his professional boxing debut when he floored Tyson Fury last October, although the WBC heavyweight world champion ultimately won on points via split decision.

Ngannou impressed in his defeat to Fury and is now ready for Joshua

But Ngannou is back to take on another British heavyweight in Joshua, who won three times in 2023 as he rebuilds his career after losing his world titles and suffering successive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.

On Friday night news broke that both Joshua and Ngannou had signed a deal for the ten-round bout which will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The showdown was confirmed by Joshua’s promoter Hearn, who said on X: "Tonight we confirm it’s a done deal! @anthonyjoshua v @francis_ngannou collide on a huge night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - press conference Jan 15 in London with full details dropping soon!"

FRANK WARREN & DANIEL DUBOIS RAGE OVER USYK

 

FRANK WARREN ON FURY VS. AJ | VIA TALKSPORT

 

"I'DONT THINK USYK WILL WANT TO FIGHT YOU" | FRANK WARREN AND JOE JOYCE