Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions is seeking compensation from Sela and TKO for breach of contract, and is willing to pursue high court action should a resolution not be reached.
As reported by the Telegraph, Queensberry has alleged that it entered into an exclusivity agreement with Sela – the entertainment and live-events company that has played a significant role in Saudi Arabia’s investment in boxing – in September 2023, giving the company access to its operational expertise as it sought to establish itself in the sport.
The promoter also says it signed a separate agreement with TKO – the UFC and WWE parent company – to be granted access to certain online data, including details relating to the Sela contract.
According to Queensberry, Sela and TKO then went on to strike a five-year agreement directly with one another – namely Zuffa Boxing – a move it says breaches the terms of both existing deals. At this stage, Queensberry has sent ‘letters before action’ of intention to sue. The report states up to $1 billion will be sought to compensate for income lost due to the contracts not being honoured.
In response, a spokesperson for Sela strongly denied the allegations.
“We are disappointed by the unfounded claims brought by Queensberry and Frank Warren. We reject them in their entirety and are confident that the facts will fully vindicate our position.”
The development comes amid speculation over the shifting dynamics within boxing’s Saudi-backed events, and whether or not Warren – who first partnered with Zuffa co-founder Turki Alalshikh in 2023 to make Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou – will be involved moving forward.
The move from Queensberry is the strongest reaction to Zuffa’s entry into the sport so far, which has disrupted the existing promotional landscape. The Dana White-fronted company recently made headlines for signing Conor Benn, previously thought to be a Matchroom and Eddie Hearn lifer.
Three shows in with a fourth in March, Zuffa has built a roster of 93 fighters including cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia. White has said more big names should be expected to sign with the promotion as it looks to make its own championship belt the premier prize in the sport, alongside the Ring Magazine belt, and reduce the influence of the four traditional sanctioning bodies.