Exclusive - Board boss on contract disputes and non-payment rumours

Robert Smith, General Secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, has made it clear that no licence holder can “just walk away” from one of their contracts.

Olympic gold medallist James DeGale released a statement via his solicitors on Friday announcing that he was parting ways with his manager, Frank Warren. DeGale said, “I think it is time for both of us to move on.”

Warren disagreed, countering with, "This is not true; James DeGale is in fact under contract until 14 April 2013." This statement appears to be supported by correspondence between the BBBoC and a representative of Warren.

Mr Smith said, “Let me make it clear – I’m not going to make any comment about any individual or individual case. What I can explain is the process that applies to any licence holder, whoever they are.

“A licence holder can’t just walk away from a Board contract. If he has a problem then he has to follow due process – and so do we or we leave ourselves open to accusations.

“We have to look after the interests of our licence holders – all of them.”

BoxRec News understands that the BBBoC received written notification on Friday that DeGale wanted to terminate the boxer-manager Board contract he has with Warren. The Board has since written to the boxer, advising him that protocol dictates he must first take up the matter with his Area Council.

In a matter entirely unconnected to the DeGale-Warren contract situation, rumours have been sweeping the trade over the last few months that some licence holders have not been paid promptly for services rendered. However, the Board boss revealed he has received only one official complaint from a licence holder regarding non-payment of due fees, despite rumours to the contrary – and that this was swiftly resolved when brought to his attention.

“It’s very frustrating for me when I see or hear things like ‘The Board are doing nothing about this’. The fact is that we can’t do anything until we receive an official complaint in writing.

“I’ve had numerous telephone conversations with licence holders and I always make it clear to them that, should they wish the Board to look into any matter, they must make an official complaint in writing.

“The fact is I’ve received just one complaint. It turned out there were genuine extenuating circumstances as to why that payment was outstanding and after our intervention payment was made and the matter swiftly resolved.”

The Board confirmed that the resolved complaint had nothing to do with the DeGale-Warren contract situation.

“If we receive an official complaint, we will look into it – and we have none outstanding at the moment.”