Russells Wins Appeal before Boxing Board’s Appeal Stewards for Frank Warren

Victoria Armstrong – 9 March 2017

Lawyers in Russells’ Litigation department have won an appeal before the Appeal Stewards of the British Boxing Board of Control (“BBBofC”) for boxing manager, Frank Warren, against boxer Paul Smith in relation to his complaint against the boxer for wrongful termination of his management contract.

Before the BBBofC Tribunal last year Mr Warren won on most of the points raised in submissions, but the Tribunal ruled against him on one issue. Mr Warren appealed and last month there was a re-hearing of the arguments before the Appeal Stewards, who have now ruled in his favour.

In their judgment, the Appeal Stewards ruled that Mr Smith wrongfully terminated his management contract with Mr Warren and noted in passing the importance of boxers taking legal advice when signing contracts with managers and promoters. In that context they observed that in order to avoid difficulties arising in the future one solution might be for managers and promoters to require a statement from boxers confirming that legal advice had been sought, and by whom it had been given.

Russells’ Head of Litigation, Steven Tregear, assisted by Victoria Armstrong, acted on behalf of Frank Warren: the matter being ongoing in relation to Mr Warren’s claim for damages for breach of contract.