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World lightweight champion Ricky Burns splits with promoter Warren
Scotland's WBO lightweight champion Ricky Burns has split from promoter Frank Warren.
Burns's manager Alex Morrison confirmed the split to BBC Scotland, adding: "Ricky is considering his options."
Morrison refused to be drawn on speculation that Burns would join rival promoter Eddie Hearn.
Burns was left frustrated after the postponement of his world unification title fight against IBF title-holder Miguel Vasquez.
The fight against Vazquez was scheduled to take place in London on 16 March but the Mexican pulled out with a virus.
Alex Morrison Ricky Burns's manager“We had to do something to stop Ricky stagnating”
Warren said the fight would take place on 20 April but Morrison told The Scotsman on Thursday: "I doubt very much that fight was ever going to happen".
"I regret it has come to this because I have known Frank for nearly 40 years," added Morrison. "But it has to be for Ricky's sake. I felt we had to do something to stop Ricky stagnating."
Burns, 29, also suffered the cancellation of his previous title defence when opponent Liam Walsh was forced to withdraw after a car crash.
Englishman Walsh was replaced by Filipino Jose Ocampo, who subsequently pulled out after the death of his trainer.
Commonwealth super-middleweight champion George Groves was also on the Wembley bill but withdrew and has since joined Hearn's Matchroom stable.
The departures of Burns and Groves leaves Warren with Wales' WBO light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly as the most high-profile fighter on his books.
Cleverly was also supposed to fight on the Wembley bill but his planned defence against Robert Krasniqi was postponed.
Other fighters to have moved from Warren to Hearn in recent years include Sheffield welterweight Kell Brook and Liverpool light-heavyweight Tony Bellew, while former Olympic champion James DeGale left for Mick Hennessy.
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Comment number 25.
ozzy9th March 2013 - 15:05
It's been open season on Frank Warren even though he's not responsible for either the Vazquez or Broner fights not happening. It was Ricky's manager Alex Morrison who refused the Broner fight not Warren. The people who are slagging Warren off literally have no idea why they're doing it. To cast Eddie Hearn in the role of God and Warren as the Devil is just plain dumb - they're both good promoters.
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Comment number 24.
Freddie Roach Ate My Hamster9th March 2013 - 15:00
I like Eddie Hearns, he actually seems a real boxing fan whereas Warren always appears to be solely in it for the money. EH's enthusiasm in Froch vs Bute was refreshing.
As much as I like Burns, he needs to be more active & make a few big fights while he's still at the top. If Hearns or Golden Boy can give him a higher profile, more money & fights to leave a real legacy, he should go with them.
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Comment number 23.
TheRealSpeaker8th March 2013 - 13:14
Most, if not all, promoters are bludgers, but at least the hearns do it in style. They've got an impressive collection of fighters at the moment - who all seem to be getting good fights. If Burns decides to go in that direction, good luck to him. He's a good talent and deserves the exposure.
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Comment number 22.
Paul8th March 2013 - 12:42
Not suprised. Burns should be a household name. Gavin Rees has more exposure than him. There is a clue there as where he should go.
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Comment number 21.
DixieBean8th March 2013 - 11:35
Would like him to switch to Matchroom and then get lined up on the Froch / Kessler bill. I'm going so would love to get to see Groves / Burns / Froch all on one night.
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Comments 5 of 25