Chris Eubank Jr.’s apology and the subsequent response from Frank Warren highlight the complexities of relationships in professional boxing
While the sport thrives on rivalries and conflict, moments of reconciliation and understanding can serve as reminders that respect and professionalism are just as crucial.
As Eubank Jr. gears up for his next fight, the spotlight will be on his performance in the ring rather than his words outside of it.
His willingness to acknowledge mistakes and make amends suggests that he is ready to embrace a more measured approach, one that could ultimately benefit his legacy and standing in the sport.
Frank Warren shows no signs of slowing down. Queensberry Promotions continues to be a driving force in British boxing, promoting rising stars and established champions alike.
As the boxing landscape changes with new competitors and media platforms, Warren’s experience and adaptability will be crucial in navigating these shifts.
Warren’s career, spanning over four decades, is a story of resilience, innovation, and a relentless passion for boxing.
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Table of Contents
Frank Warren: Chris Eubank Jr.’s Apology
A New Chapter for Boxing Relations
In a surprising turn of events, British middleweight boxer Chris Eubank Jr. recently issued a public apology to leading boxing promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn.1
His statement came after a heated exchange at the pre-fight press conference for the highly anticipated Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol bout, scheduled to take place on October 12 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
What a way to open Riyadh Season! Beterbiev vs Bivol#IVcrownshowdown pic.twitter.com/stnmhWFvmn
— Frank Warren (@FrankWarren) September 25, 2024
The Prefight Drama: Eubank Jr.’s Scathing Remarks
Eubank Jr.’s initial comments caught everyone off guard as he expressed frustration and disdain towards some of the most well-known promoters in boxing.
Seated behind him were Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn, both influential figures in the sport.
During the press conference, Eubank Jr. voiced his grievances in a blunt and unapologetic manner, calling Warren a “scumbag” and accusing Hearn and his team of “lying and cheating” to set up a previous fight against Conor Benn, despite Benn’s alleged use of performance-enhancing substances.
These comments set the stage for an awkward and tense atmosphere during the press event, overshadowing the buildup to the main event featuring Beterbiev and Bivol. Eubank Jr.’s verbal tirade left fans, promoters, and fellow fighters wondering about the state of his professional relationships, especially with his recent shift to the Boxxer promotional team.
Chris Eubank Jr.’s New Promotion
A Bold Move
Eubank Jr.’s move to Boxxer, a newer and rapidly growing promotional company, signaled his intent to carve out a fresh path in his career.2
The decision came after a tumultuous period marked by controversies and highly publicized disputes with previous promotional teams. By aligning with Boxxer, Eubank Jr. seemed ready to distance himself from past associations and embrace a new chapter.
During the press conference, however, he did not shy away from addressing the reasons behind his shift. In a brutally honest response, Eubank Jr. criticized his former promoters, suggesting that their unethical behavior influenced his decision to join Boxxer.
His harsh words appeared to target the industry’s established players, sparking backlash and raising concerns about potential repercussions for his career.
The Fallout: Eubank Jr. and Promoters Respond
In the immediate aftermath of his remarks, many wondered whether Eubank Jr. would face disciplinary action or strained relations within the boxing community. However, just days after the press conference, Eubank Jr. issued a statement retracting his comments and offering a sincere apology to both Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn.
He acknowledged that his comments were inappropriate and emphasized his desire to refocus on his boxing career.
“Following today’s press conference for the historic Riyadh Season event on October 12, I would like to retract my inaccurate statements and offer my apologies to Frank Warren, Eddie Hearn, and Kalle Sutherland. I now wish to focus purely on my boxing and preparing for a huge fight in Riyadh next month,” Eubank Jr. wrote in his public apology.
In response, Frank Warren, the founder of Queensberry Promotions and a veteran of the sport, graciously accepted Eubank Jr.’s apology. Warren’s statement, in which he reciprocated with an apology of his own, indicated his willingness to move forward from the incident. Warren stated, “I accept Chris’s apology and retraction. I too have said things before and apologize to him also if any criticism of him has upset him in the past.
I look forward to seeing him compete on this huge Riyadh Season card. We look ahead to some potentially massive bouts in the future.”
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Frank Warren: Bio
A Legacy in Boxing Promotion and Management
Frank Warren was born on February 28, 1952, in Islington, London, England.3
Growing up in a working-class family, Warren had a passion for sports from a young age, but it wasn’t boxing that initially caught his interest.
In fact, he began his career as a solicitor’s clerk, dabbling in various businesses before eventually finding his niche in the boxing world.
It wasn’t until he attended a local amateur boxing match that he was captivated by the sport, realizing the potential for not only athletes but also for promoters to build a thriving career.
Warren’s entrance into boxing was unconventional and marked by ambition. He was drawn to the excitement, discipline, and strategy that boxing required. This enthusiasm would soon lead him to make a profound impact on the sport in the United Kingdom.
Early Life and Introduction to Boxing
In 1980, Warren founded Queensberry Promotions, a company that would become synonymous with elite boxing promotions in the UK.
His early years were a blend of perseverance and risk-taking. His first major success came when he staged a fight at the Bloomsbury Crest Hotel between John Conteh and Len Hutchins. The event was a success, setting the stage for Warren’s future as a top-tier promoter.
Under the banner of Queensberry Promotions, Warren began to establish relationships with up-and-coming fighters, television networks, and sponsors.
His knack for recognizing talent and his commitment to promoting quality events led to rapid growth. As a result, Queensberry Promotions became a household name in British boxing.
Frank Warren: Career
Revolutionizing British Boxing
Frank Warren is widely credited for revolutionizing British boxing in the 1980s and 1990s. During a time when the sport was struggling for mainstream attention in the UK, Warren introduced innovations that brought boxing back into the limelight.
He was one of the first promoters to strike exclusive deals with television networks, ensuring regular broadcasting of boxing events. This approach not only increased the visibility of the sport but also provided a stable revenue stream for fighters and promoters alike.
One of Warren’s most significant contributions was his role in establishing a structured promotional model, which made it easier for fighters to transition from the amateur to professional ranks. He facilitated fights in large venues, increased ticket sales, and promoted bouts that captivated fans and created stars.
BoxNation: Changing the Media Landscape
In 2012, Frank Warren launched BoxNation, a dedicated British boxing television channel. BoxNation was born out of a desire to provide continuous coverage of the sport without the interruptions and limitations often imposed by mainstream broadcasters.
The channel aired live fights, interviews, documentaries, and classic bouts, offering boxing fans a one-stop destination for all things related to the sport.
BoxNation ran for over 11 years, becoming an integral part of the boxing community. It was praised for its commitment to showcasing not only British fighters but also international bouts, expanding the horizons of UK boxing fans.
The channel’s closure in 2023 marked the end of an era, but its legacy in changing the way boxing was consumed in the UK remains significant.
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Managing World Champions and Top-Ranked Fighters
Throughout his career, Frank Warren has managed and promoted some of the biggest names in boxing history. His roster of talent includes world champions and highly ranked fighters such as Naseem Hamed, Frank Bruno, Tyson Fury, Joe Calzaghe, Nigel Benn, Steve Collins, and Chris Eubank.
His skill in nurturing fighters from their early professional days to becoming global stars has earned him a reputation as one of the most influential figures in boxing.
Naseem Hamed
Warren’s collaboration with Naseem Hamed, often known as “Prince” Naseem, was one of his most iconic partnerships. Hamed, a flamboyant and unorthodox fighter, captivated audiences with his speed, agility, and knockout power.
Warren helped guide Hamed’s career to world champion status, making him one of the most recognized British boxers of the 1990s.
Frank Bruno
Another landmark achievement for Warren was his work with Frank Bruno, a beloved British heavyweight who won the WBC World Heavyweight Title in 1995.
Bruno’s journey to the top, after several high-profile losses, was a testament to his resilience and Warren’s unwavering support as a promoter.
The Tyson Fury Era
In recent years, Warren has been instrumental in the resurgence of heavyweight boxing through his association with Tyson Fury. Fury’s career, marked by his dethroning of Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 and his subsequent battles with mental health and inactivity, was revitalized under Warren’s guidance.
In 2018, Fury signed a promotional agreement with Warren, who helped orchestrate his comeback fights, including his memorable trilogy with Deontay Wilder.
Fury’s story is one of redemption, and Warren’s role in his comeback has been pivotal. The partnership between the two has resulted in some of the most successful heavyweight bouts of recent times, re-establishing Warren’s presence at the pinnacle of boxing promotion.
Frank Warren: Promoting Rivalries and Classic Bouts
Warren’s career is filled with memorable fights and intense rivalries that have shaped the sport. His promotions often featured battles between fighters with contrasting styles and personalities, creating storylines that captivated audiences.
Notable rivalries include Nigel Benn vs. Chris Eubank, Joe Calzaghe vs. Steve Collins, and more recently, Billy Joe Saunders vs. Canelo Alvarez.
These rivalries were not just about in-ring competition; they were spectacles that drew in fans and elevated the status of British boxing on the global stage. Warren’s ability to create narrative-driven events contributed significantly to the sport’s growth and popularity.
Challenges and Controversies
- No career in boxing is without its challenges, and Frank Warren has faced his share of controversies. From legal disputes with rival promoters to disagreements with fighters over contracts and promotional rights, Warren’s journey has been tumultuous at times.
- In 1989, he was shot in the chest by an assailant outside his office, an event that he survived but which left a lasting impact on his outlook and approach to the business.
- Despite these challenges, Warren has remained steadfast and resilient. His longevity in the sport is a testament to his passion and dedication, and his ability to adapt to changing dynamics within the boxing landscape.
- Frank Warren’s influence on British and global boxing cannot be overstated. He has played a key role in the careers of numerous world champions and has been at the forefront of many innovations that have shaped the sport’s modern era.
- His promotional acumen, eye for talent, and understanding of the boxing business have cemented his status as one of the sport’s great figures.
- Even as the sport continues to evolve with new promoters and digital platforms changing how events are broadcast and consumed, Warren’s legacy remains intact.
- His contributions to the sport, particularly in the UK, have set the foundation for future generations of promoters and fighters.
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