Frank Warren has been giving an update about a big fight between Anthony Yarde and Joshua Buatsi which is an all-British clash that has long been in the works.
Back in March we were told that negotiations were going well and that both fighters were keen to face one another having had their careers run in parallel for the last few years.
Both fighters are regarded as world-class light-heavyweights, with Buatsi holding the No. 1 ranking with the WBA and the WBC, while Yarde has showcased his skills and resilience in rebuilding after his previous world title challenge against unified champion Artur Beterbiev and before that Sergey Kovalev who he pushed hard but ultimately ran out of steam and got stopped himself.
Buatsi’s recent victory over Dan Azeez further solidified his position as a top contender in the division, while Yarde’s determination to bounce back has earned him respect in the boxing community.
With both fighters at a stage in their careers where they are eager to make a statement, their promoters had believed that the time was right for them to finally settle their long-standing rivalry inside the ring.
However, Yarde announced last month that he had split from his long-term promotional partner Warren, while Warren gave a defiant response at the time.
Now speaking to Box Nation, the Queensbury man gave an update on that and said the pair had been talking again, but only unofficially so.
“We have had a couple discussions but they’re off the record without prejudice so I can’t go into detail. I hope something can be resolved. We’ve got our position, his team have got their position and that’s where we are. Common sense has got to prevail.”
He then expressed concern for how Yarde is being advised.
“It will all come out in the wash. It’s a shame we’re in this position. I can look Anthony in the eye and know that we always had his best interests at heart and continue to do so. It’s a shame we’re here.
“It’s not the first time a promoter and his manager have been involved in something like this and it won’t be the last, it’s just a shame. I really do feel he’s not being advised in a good way at the moment. I
“f he wants to pick up the phone I am here any time to speak privately, I will do that in a heartbeat. But I can’t change what’s in his mind and where his head is at.”
For now it seems the fight is on ice while Yarde sorts out his promotional status.
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