In order to secure the long-awaited clash with Joshua Buatsi, Frank Warren has urged Anthony Yarde to agree to a 50:50 pay-per-view split.
Despite weeks of discussions, an agreement for the highly anticipated summer fight between the two British light-heavyweights is yet to be reached.
Warren, who has been Yarde’s promoter throughout his 28-fight career, now clarifies the reasons behind the ongoing failure to reach an agreement between the two parties.
He stated that Queensberry has reached an agreement with Boxxer and Joshua Buatsi’s management team. However, we are still in the process of negotiating terms with Anthony, his manager Tunde Ajayi, and his lawyer.
The delay is due to the division of money. Personally, I see this fight as significant in multiple aspects, and I believe Anthony is the more renowned and experienced boxer. Nevertheless, Josh holds the top rank in a few organizations, which adds an extra dimension to the competition – it’s a battle for the coveted No.1 position.
After participating in two warm-up fights to regain his momentum, Anthony is now gearing up for a significant match. However, Tunde’s focus seems to be fixated on the financial aspect, constantly urging individuals to rise to the occasion.
For me, the concept is quite straightforward: opt for pay-per-view to accurately gauge your value. Pay-per-view is the ultimate metric for determining a fighter’s true worth, as it relies on the public’s willingness to purchase it. They either buy a ticket or they don’t. This is where the splits come into play; it’s as simple as that. Both parties receive an equal share of the earnings.
Both parties contribute equally and even if one deserves a slightly higher percentage, it’s irrelevant. We need to focus on getting the fight done rather than wasting time with this nonsense. If you’re serious about the fight, let’s make it happen.
There have been suggestions that the fight might occur in Saudi Arabia, which could potentially guarantee higher earnings for both boxers compared to their respective home countries.
Warren firmly believes that the confrontation between these two Londoners must occur in their own city, and he has no plans of relocating it to Saudi Arabia.
He stated that in order to reach Saudi Arabia or succeed in Vegas, one must actively engage in significant endeavors and present oneself in an impressive manner. Merely participating in two preparatory fights will not suffice; it is crucial to make a bold impact.
After Yarde’s triumphant win against Marko Nikolic in February, he and Buatsi were interviewed together, indicating that a fight agreement was imminent.
However, when questioned about the possibility that it might not occur at all, Warren responded with a lack of concern, stating, “I’ll be blunt. Our main focus is organizing fights, so if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen.”
Excluding the two individuals engaged in the unification fight, Anthony strikes me as the most exceptional light-heavyweight in the scene. I hold a strong admiration for Anthony, as I find myself having an abundance of time and respect for him. I genuinely hope that his career is not mishandled.
From the very beginning, we have regarded Anthony as more than just a boxer. Our faith in him started after he had participated in approximately 11 or 12 amateur fights, and we wholeheartedly supported him. This support was driven by his undeniable talent. It is my sincerest wish that his journey does not encounter any obstacles. He should seek guidance from individuals who possess the expertise and knowledge in this field.
If you haven’t signed the contract, there’s no need to arrange a date. Let’s prioritize signing the contract first.