Frank Warren and Queensberry Prepare $1 Billion Lawsuit Against TKO and SELA Over Zuffa BoxingFrank Warren and Queensberry Prepare $1 Billion Lawsuit Against TKO and Sela Over Zuffa Boxing Dispute

The boxing world is on the brink of a major legal showdown as veteran British promoter Frank Warren and his Queensberry Promotions gear up to pursue a potential $1 billion lawsuit against Saudi Arabia’s SELA and TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of the UFC and WWE, over the formation of **Zuffa Boxing. The dispute marks a dramatic escalation in tensions between traditional boxing promoters and emerging power players shaping the sport’s future.

Warren Alleges Breach of Exclusive Agreements

According to reports, Queensberry claims it established exclusive agreements with SELA in September 2023 to provide operational expertise as the Saudi firm entered the boxing market. Under that agreement, Queensberry says it shared essential insights into building major events and helping SELA establish itself in the sport.

In addition, Queensberry alleges it had a separate contract with TKO — the UFC and WWE parent — that granted the American company access to certain online data, including details of the SELA agreement, information Queensberry describes as privileged.

Queensberry’s core contention is that SELA and TKO circumvented those existing agreements to form a direct five-year partnership, giving birth to Zuffa Boxing without including Warren’s company. That alliance — fronted by UFC CEO Dana White, TKO board member Nick Khan, and Saudi entertainment chief Turki Alalshikh — has already grabbed headlines for its rapid expansion and high-profile signings, including British fighter Conor Benn and cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia.

Legal Action Looms

Queensberry has reportedly sent “letters before action” — formal notices of intent to sue — to both SELA and TKO, warning that if the dispute cannot be resolved, a full legal claim could be filed in the British High Court. The promoter is seeking up to $1 billion in compensation for alleged lost income due to contracts that were not honored.

Legal correspondence between the two sides has already begun, with industry insiders likening the initial exchanges to early rounds of a boxing match. If SELA and TKO do not respond satisfactorily, Queensberry intends to formally pursue the case in court.

Response From SELA and Broader Implications

SELA has publicly rejected the claims, describing the allegations as “unfounded” and confident that the facts will vindicate its position. A spokesperson for the Saudi company told media outlets that it strongly denies the claims raised by Queensberry and Warren.

Neither TKO nor Zuffa Boxing has issued a public comment on the matter at this stage.

Should Warren prevail, the case could represent one of the largest legal victories for a traditional promoter in decades, with potential implications for how contractual relationships between promoters, investors, and emerging commercial entities are understood in boxing’s evolving landscape.

Conversely, if Warren’s claims are dismissed, it could further solidify Zuffa Boxing’s position as a dominant force in the sport, possibly accelerating the shift toward a more centralized model of promotion that challenges traditional sanctioning bodies and revenue structures.