Bold Prediction - Matchroom and Queensbury to Merge.

No chance, not while Barry and Frank are still breathing oxygen.

Anyway, Boxing is only a part of the MR empire - it wouldn't shock me if they pulled out of boxing when/if Eddie can't be bothered and retires.

 

Mr Turkey is also making big moves in Snooker and the crucible will be replaced by the executable in the near future.

 

Done deal already.

 

If they weren't around (and they're into their 70s right) the kids would probably do a deal. It's the likes of Frank Smith who should worry - basically the bag carrier in a big organisation whereas George Warren has been steeped in it all his life. There's a good fit there if things worked out.

 

Frank will be alright. He does a bit more than just a bag carrier.

 

It was suggested to me the truce is essentially based on Turkis interest and if that was to drop we would go back to as you were

 

Ok mate

 

I don't see it; I think if the Saudi interest in boxing continues then ultimately they will cut out the middlemen and simply promote the fights themselves.

 

A few months ago I would have agreed with you 100%.

I don't think it's quite that simple now, purely because Matchroom have had a minority shareholder in place since May. It is difficult to imagine an investor selling up a few months into what they must believe will be a significant source of revenue - and I struggle to believe the Saudis would welcome a minority shareholder, especially not one who would expect voting rights. Money may talk though.

My gut feeling now is that they will make their play via DAZN. Either become an investor in - or take over - DAZN, and make it a pre-requisite for all big money Saudi cards to be broadcast on there, by proxy forcing the promoters to play ball. Seems to achieve the same goal for them of getting the events in their back yard and controlling the broadcast helps them project the image they want to.

 

The Saudis can easily set up their own promotion company and employ competent people to lead it.

The people who today collaborate with his excellency can be replaced in a flash. Personally, I believe it will take 3 - 4 years before this happens.

 

Is that North Korean Cartelo Chief Dani Kin O Han still running boxing?