FRANK WARREN is suing boxing’s new Saudi and US power brokers for $1BILLION.

The 73-year-old hall-of-fame promoter began working closer with Turki Al-Sheikh around 2023, helping to stage the brilliant two-fight Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk rivalry in the kingdom.

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Frank Warren is suing boxing’s new Saudi and US power brokersCredit: Getty
 

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He previously worked closely with Turki Al-SheikhCredit: Getty
The Queensberry mastermind helped Saudi events firm and Newcastle sponsor Sela infiltrate and understand the business.

And Warren insists the deal was done on the proviso that he would get a slice of their future deals.

But Saudi and mega-money US financiers TKO – who also own the WWE and UFC – have just launched Zuffa Boxing, snapping up Conor Benn, and have attempted to cut Warren out of the deal.

Zuffa recently signed an exclusive $500m (£370m) five-year deal with streaming giant Paramount+ to broadcast its fights.

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And they are on the cusp of announcing another big-money deal for Sky Sports to show their events in the UK.

Warren, a powerhouse in UK courts over his iconic business, kept his cards close to his chest.

When asked about the $1billion (£740million) case at the launch of his May 9 show between WBO heavyweight world champion Fabio Wardley and challenger Daniel Dubois, he said: “No comment.”

Asked on the state of his relationship with controversial Al-Shiekh, he added: “The last time we worked together was around the Tottenham press conference (to announce Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11) about a week ago. And that’s where we are.

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“I cannot say any more. It did not just happen overnight, that’s for sure.”

Asked if the issue would complicate Warren’s longstanding relationship with Saudi-supported Tyson Fury, he added: “It doesn’t complicate anything, he is contracted to fight, and that’s the end of it.”

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Warren insists he was promised a slice of future deals with Al-SheikhCredit: Reuters
 

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They have not worked together since announcing the fight between Tyson Fury and Arslanbek MakhmudovCredit: Getty
A spokesperson for Sela told the Telegraph: “We are disappointed by the unfounded claims brought by Queensberry and Frank Warren.

“We reject them in their entirety and are confident that the facts will fully vindicate our position.”

Warren did manage to stick the boot into the new boxing firm fronted by UFC frontman Dana White, for splashing a reported £15m on welterweight Benn, the 29-year-old Ilford star who is yet to win a domestic title.

He said: “For me, I don’t see where the investment is going.

“He isn’t even the best at his weight in Essex. But good luck to him, he’s getting a few quid.

“Me, I would definitely find better fighters to spend my money on. But maybe I am getting old and they know better.

“The UFC model is a great model because it started from a blank piece of paper.

“It operates on an 80-20 split (between promoter and fighter) and I would be embarrassed to do it.”

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Caroline McAteer, the press person for Al-Sheikh, declined to comment.

However SunSport understands the Middle Eastern firm refute the allegations.