Frank Warren, in an interview with IFL TV, provided insights into the current state of the heavyweight division, expressed his views on Joshua vs. Wilder’s potential matchup, and tackled the pressing issue of drug testing in boxing.
Frank Warren is well-known for his forthright opinions, and he doesn’t hold back when discussing the potential fight between Joshua and Wilder. But does he think the fight will happen?
“I don’t particularly care, it doesn’t bother me that much. If they make it, they make it. I don’t think they will make it. I don’t think they make it and get the money they think they’re going to get. They were talking about making another fight for AJ in between, and I think they’re going to have a problem with that because I think the public will be expecting more.”
What does this reluctance mean for the fans? If you’re expecting a definitive showdown between these two heavyweights, Warren’s skepticism might cool your excitement.
A Missed Opportunity with Tyson?
There’s an idiom that says, “strike while the iron is hot,” but did Joshua miss a chance to take a fight with Tyson in September? Warren’s thoughts on this are more than clear:
“That fight wasn’t going to happen in December, and we all know that. He won’t be fighting Deontay [in December], so he may as well have taken that fight and at that time nothing was done with Ngannou, and nothing was done with Dillian because Whyte was screaming for him to fight him. There’s nothing signed.”
Do you agree with this assessment? Could a fight with Tyson have been the golden opportunity Joshua n
The Failed Drugs Test of Alycia Baumgardner
One of the interview’s most poignant moments was Warren’s response to Alycia Baumgardner’s failed drug test. He didn’t mince words:
“If she is guilty, then she should be banned, and she should receive a lengthy ban… I’ve been banging on about this drugs-free thing and for me, I’m told that they do not test for a few substances that Vada and UK test for like EPOs, human growth hormone, which are banned substances. That can’t be right. And what can’t be of use to anybody is that the sample sits on a shelf for nine days before it goes to the laboratory. Why did that happen?”
These strong words emphasize the gravity of the situation. Why aren’t all substances tested? How can a system allow a sample to sit for nine days? Warren raises valid concerns that cut to the core of the integrity of the sport.
A Call for Uniformity and Fairness
Warren’s final comments underscore the need for a standardized approach to drug testing. His demand for a fair system is clear:
“You cannot have promoters determining whether somebody should be boxing or not on the strength of a report. All reports from all organizations should go to the government bodies who are involved with a fight, and on top of that, they should be testing to the standard of Vada and UKAD, and from what I understand, those tests are not standard.”
Isn’t it high time for a unified approach to drug testing in boxing? Warren’s call to action is a beacon for change in a sport that thrives on integrity and fairness.
Frank Warren’s interview offers a fascinating glimpse into the real workings of the boxing world. From his doubts about a blockbuster fight between Joshua and Wilder to the urgent need for stricter drug testing, his words ring true.
“That’s the reality. If you want the honest truth, and I say it every day.”
