Billy Joe Saunders and Frank Warren part ways
With a connection that has crossed the whole professional career of Billy Joe Saunders, that has introduced World Titles in two weight classes, Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren and Saunders have agreed to terms for a friendly release from his promotional deal.
Frank Warren enjoyed a successful partnership with Billy Joe in which he guided him in an unblemished run of British, Commonwealth, European and World Championships at both Middle and Super Middleweight. The partnership saw many big fights at different career levels, which has included wins over John Ryder, Chris Eubank Jr, Andy Lee, and David Lemieux.
Whilst holding the WBO World Middleweight Championship, Billy Joe signed contracts to unify the World Middleweight titles against Gennady Golovkin, which did not ultimately take place due to Golovkin not signing and returning the contract but pursuing the Canelo Alvarez fight.
Thank you very much to @BTSportBoxing @frankwarren_tv and all his staff for the hard work over the years ‘ remain a great relationship franks and my self ✅ https://t.co/EVA3rLqlDA
— billyjoesaunders (@bjsaunders_) August 2, 2019
An outstanding career-best win against Lemieux in Canada where Saunders announced himself to North American Boxing fans, unfortunately, was followed by problems outside of the ring, a period of injury and having to vacate his World Title, losing the momentum built after his win.
Following dialogue between Frank Warren, Billy Joe and his management company MTK over recent weeks, it was mutually agreed that after struggling to regain this collective momentum, and with certain fights not immediately available within the partnership, that it is in the interests of both parties to pursue their respective goals separately.
Frank Warren and all the team at Queensberry Promotions have enjoyed a great personal relationship with Billy Joe over the years and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
We are sure that Billy Joe can continue to demonstrate his always unquestionable talent and we look forward to seeing him achieve the remaining goals he has left in his career.
Frank Warren said in a press release “I’ve really enjoyed working with Billy Joe through his whole professional career and guiding him to become British, Commonwealth, European and a Two Weight World Champion.
I’m personally very fond of Billy Joe and I wish him every success in the remainder of his career.”
Billy Joe Saunders said in the release, “First of all, I just want to say a massive thank you to Frank for everything he has done for my career over the past decade.
Frank signed me after the 2008 Olympics and was with me every step of the way as I won the British, Commonwealth and European titles before becoming a world champion in two divisions.
It feels a little bittersweet and I’ll always be appreciative for everything Frank has done for me. We’ll stay close.”
The recent speculation is that Saunder may land with Matchroom Boxing in a report by Mike Coppinger of The Athletic. We’ll see where the next stop for Saunders lands.
Sources tell @TheAthleticBOX Billy Joe Saunders and Eddie Hearn are finalizing a multi-fight deal that could be announced next week. The super middleweight champion parted ways with Frank Warren, it was announced today. Big pickup for Hearn, who already has Callum Smith at ‘68
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) August 2, 2019
Marquis Johns is a unknown humorist and avid boxing fan. His love for the sweet science goes back to when matches were 15 rounds and has been covering fights since closed-circuit pay-per-views. Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth is not only a quote by Mike Tyson, it's also a pretty good reminder to keep your guard up.