Anthony Yarde’s Promoter Dismisses Contract Expiry Claim, Hopes This Will Not End in Court

Anthony Yarde has stirred headlines, not with punches but with words. His shocking announcement of being a promotional free agent has puzzled the fans and jeopardized the much-anticipated fight with Joshua Buatsi. The British battle that has been in the making for years, now hinges on mere hopes, and it has shocked Frank Warren, who has clarified the situation now. What did he say?

Yarde, 32, recently announced that his previous contract with Queensberry Promotion has expired and he was a free agent. He also wanted his team to negotiate the best deal for him. The “disappointing” declaration left Warren puzzled as he laid down the contractual stipulation in a conversation with BoxNation.

Frank Warren hopes to mend ties with Anthony Yarde

The English promoter maintained that their position was “simple” and they still had an enforceable contract. Warren also hoped the relationship hadn’t gone beyond a breaking point, but certain things had put a strain on it. He said, “Our position is very simple. We have a contract that is still in force.”

“We always, always defend our contractual positions. I hope [the relationship has not broken down], but certain things have happened. I’m not gonna go into detail. But it’s very, very disappointing,” the 72-year-old added.

Lastly, the famed promoter laid bare the fact that they had agreed terms with Buatsi’s camp, broadcasters, and so on. The only missing link was Yarde’s sign. Warren further hoped he wouldn’t have to settle the dispute inside the court to get the fight back on as time was running out for a June 15 clash, as stipulated.

Read More: “My Previous Promotional Contracts Have Expired”: British Heavyweight Declares Himself Free Agent Ahead of Fight

Warren declared, “We’ve been negotiating with Joshua Buatsi. We agreed terms with Sky, TNT, BOXXER, Queensberry to a 50/50 deal. But we can’t get the deal done with Anthony’s side… I hope [this will not go to court] because I hope we can resolve this and get the fight on.”

On the other hand, Buatsi doesn’t seem too impressed about the delay that has shaped up in making the fight come through.

Joshua Buatsi presses Yarde to agree terms

The winner of Yarde vs. Buatsi might be in a solid position to challenge the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol. With the stakes being as high as it can be, Buatsi has asked Yarde to decide quickly. ‘Just Business’ told Sky Sports, “What’s the delay? What’s happening? I’m out here working. Let’s go, June 15, let’s make it happen!”

Things get interesting when you have David Benavidez climbing up and challenging for the interim WBC light heavyweight strap. If he wins, he might jump the queue, and Yarde and Buatsi might be left behind. So, both Buatsi and Yarde must ink a deal, but it seems Yarde’s shenanigans might spoil the game.

What do you make of these comments by Frank Warren? Do you believe Anthony Yarde and Joshua Buatsi’s fight will go as planned? Let us know in the comments below.

Also Read: “One Sided Win”: HE Turki Alalshikh Announces Queensberry-Matchroom 5 vs. 5 Weight Classes; Fans Share Their Prediction