Frank Warren Sues Dana White for $1B
Promoter Frank Warren has filed a $1 billion lawsuit against Dana White and Turki Al-Sheikh, reportedly centering on allegations of contractual interference and promoter rights in international boxing. The suit coincides with the announcement of Conor Benn facing Regis Prograis at catchweight on the undercard of Tyson Fury's comeback fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Wembley Stadium on April 11, 2026. Benn's fight marks his first under the Zuffa Boxing banner after signing with the company.
The lawsuit from Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions alleges that a September 2023 exclusive agreement with Saudi Arabia's Sela for "operational expertise" was breached. Warren's company claims it provided the blueprint for Sela's entry into high-profile boxing, starting with the Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou crossover event. Queensberry also alleges a separate agreement was in place with TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of UFC and WWE, which granted them access to proprietary data, including the specifics of Queensberry's deal with Sela. The lawsuit contends this information was then used to form Zuffa Boxing in June 2025, a joint venture between Sela and TKO that excluded Queensberry. From late 2023 through mid-2025, Queensberry was the primary promotional partner for many of Saudi Arabia's major boxing events, featuring fighters like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. This partnership also saw a unique "5vs5" event where Warren's Queensberry fighters secured a decisive 10-0 victory over rival promoter Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing. Turki Al-Sheikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, has been the driving force behind the Kingdom's massive investment in boxing, orchestrating numerous high-profile fights. The formation of Zuffa Boxing with UFC President Dana White is seen as a move to centralize power and create a new, league-style structure in the sport. Zuffa Boxing has moved aggressively since its inception, signing nearly 100 fighters to its roster, including established names and former world champions. The promotion has already held several events, broadcasting on Paramount+, signaling a major new player in the boxing landscape. The conflict is further highlighted by the upcoming Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov event. Despite Fury's long-standing promotional relationship with Frank Warren, the fight is being promoted by Zuffa Boxing, a direct challenge to Queensberry's role with its star fighter.
