Queensberry Promotions boss Frank Warren pulled no punches when assessing the confirmed rematch Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will take part in on September 19 at The Sphere in Las Vegas.
The old rivals broke the internet earlier this week when Netflix confirmed it has the global rights for the event, which sees the Hall-of-Fame boxing icons return to the ring 11 years after their first fight which remains, to this day, the best-selling bout in the sport’s history.
The broadcaster is hopeful it will break the record for most-streamed live sports event in the history of the OTT platform, and it contains added intrigue as Mayweather will put his unbeaten record on the line for his 51st bout.
But, with their combined age of 95, the fight will attract its critics — and Warren appears to be one of them.
“I hope it’s not going to be sanctioned by any of the gov bodies,” Warren told Sky Sports Boxing.
“I’ve got no interest in a 47-year-old fighting a 49-year-old, no more than watching Mike Tyson fight Jake Paul.”
“To me, it’s not boxing as what I class it … at their age, they shouldn’t be doing it.”
The Mayweather vs Pacquiao rematch wasn’t the only news headline Warren commented on, as he also spoke to talkSPORT about the ongoing war of words between UFC boss and Zuffa Boxing front-man Dana White, and his old verbal sparring partner Eddie Hearn, the chairman of Matchroom.
“We’re not babies,” he said, in response to White, who said entering the boxing business, against the traditional promoters, was like beating up babies.
Warren then commented on Conor Benn leaving Matchroom for Zuffa.
“He was out of contract, by the sounds of it. Or, they didn’t match it. He’s gone elsewhere after swearing loyalty to [Hearn].”
“Looking at him and where he’s at, hes had a tremendous result to get the money he’s getting because I don’t think he’s the best fighter in Essex. We’ve got two fighters there who would beat him.”
When asked if Benn is in the wrong for the move, Warren said: “That’s their business. They stood by him, Conor appreciated that. He’s come out now, the money’s involved, not matched.
“I wouldn’t have been paying money, that’s for sure,” he finished.
