Paul Smith Declares Split From Frank Warren

By Terence Dooley

Paul "Smigga" Smith has announced that he has parted company with long-time promoter Frank Warren.  Smith, 33-3 (19), released a statement to that effect earlier today.  The revelation comes just days after the BBBoC suspended Stephen Smith's licence pending the outcome of his managerial contract dispute with Warren, his BBBoC-licenced manager.

'It is not without some considerable sadness and regret that I have to announce that as at Friday 1st November 2013 I ended all contractual relations with Frank Warren and any of his companies,' stated the "Real Gone Kid", the curent British 168lb champion.  'I apologise to fans for the fact that in the circumstances I will not be fighting at the echo arena on 7th December 2013.  On advice from my legal team I also regret that at this point in time I cannot comment further.  Thank you.'

The 31-year-old was due to defend his belt against Clitheroe's Luke Blackledge on the December 7th show; he could find himself in a similar to his younger brother, who was pencilled in for a defence against Gary Sykes on the same bill only to vacate his title once the Board stated that he was locked into the December 7th title defence.

"Swifty", however, vacated his belt at the end of last month, but the Board have since taken action by suspending his licence, with the Liverpudlian Super featherweight contender poised to appeal this decision, most likely on the basis of a 'restriction of trade' argument.

It leaves Liam "Beefy" Smith as the only remaining brother due to defend his British title, at light-middleweight, on the show, which was dubbed "The History Boys" back when all three siblings were set to defend this Lonsdale belts on one historic showcase night.

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