IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington will no longer be promoted by Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions, it was announced today.
The popular Leeds fighter joined Queensberry in 2017 and in May 2018 boxed Lee Selby for the IBF featherweight he currently holds. He won that fight, against the odds, and has since defended his belt three times, including notable wins against Carl Frampton and Kid Galahad.
Now 30-0, Warrington is on the hunt for unification fights at featherweight and has recently been touted as a possible opponent for WBO champion Shakur Stevenson.
“I am happy to say that we delivered for Josh on every level and helped him realise his goals in the sport,” said Frank Warren. “We all wish Josh every success for the future and will always remember the great nights we enjoyed in Leeds.”
Minutes after Warrington’s departure from Queensberry Promotions was formally announced, Matchroom Boxing released a statement of their own, laying claim to Warrington on what is effectively a free transfer. A strong move, all things considered.
Manny Pacquiao, meanwhile, has signed a deal with Paradigm Sports Management, adding further fuel to the fire that is a potential Manny Pacquiao vs. Conor McGregor boxing match.
Paradigm, a name unfamiliar to most boxing fans, also represent McGregor, which is why today’s announced link-up has got many excited – or simply curious – about the prospect of Pacquiao and the Irishman finally sharing a boxing ring in 2020.
This fight has, for better or worse, been teased for some time now.
“We’re very excited to announce that Manny Pacquiao has signed with PSM for full-service representation!” said a post on the Paradigm Twitter account. “Manny is one of the greatest boxers of all time & we look forward to working with Arnold, Ping and the rest of the team back in Manila to maximize his historic career.”
Whether it should or shouldn’t happen – it shouldn’t, by the way – is a moot point given the amounts of money at stake here. All we can say for (almost) certain is that Pacquiao joining forces with McGregor’s business team is surely no mere coincidence.
