Frank Warren, a former opponent who is now Hearn’s partner, will square off against him on Saturday in Riyadh. Five boxers from each promoter’s roster will compete.
During the press conference on Thursday, Hearn gave his boxers advice. “You five, take this by the scruff of the neck, take it to this lot and you fight with all your heart.”
“You strive for your goals. Without a doubt, we will triumph on Saturday night.”
As they joined their combatants at the top table, the promoters’ exchanges were more lighthearted than heated.
“In your dreams,” a smug Warren shot back, arguing his position.
The animosity between Warren and Hearn began in the 1980s, during the tenure of Barry Hearn, the father of the Matchroom chief. However, last year, Saudi organizers persuaded the families to set aside their disagreements.
“The rivalry is even older than you realize; it began when my family first entered the boxing world when I was eight or nine years old and there were only two words allowed: Frank and Warren,” Hearn continued.
