Josh Warrington leaves Frank Warren and joins up with promotion rival Eddie Hearn… 3 years after making reverse move

JOSH WARRINGTON has jumped back across the Frank Warren - Eddie Hearn British boxing divide.

The IBF featherweight champ only walked out on Hearn’s Matchroom stable in 2017, to enjoy career-defining fights against Lee Selby and Carl Frampton under Warren’s Queensbury banner.

But the Leeds Warrior has since found it impossible to unify the fractious division and is now reunited with Hearn in his bid to add another belt to his collection.

The 29-year-old said: “It's great to be back with Matchroom, Sky and now DAZN and I'm very excited about the future.

“I have enjoyed my time at BT but now I’m looking forward to going on to achieve my dreams of both fighting in the USA and unifying the division."

Warren and his BT Sport broadcasters accepted the 29-year-old’s decision, with more focus freed up for rapidly rising stars like heavyweight Daniel Dubois.

JOSH'S NEW CHAPTER

Similar previous moves have sparked bad blood and legal disputes but both camps seem happy with their side of the deal.

Warren, who flies out to Las Vegas to support star signing Tyson Fury on Tuesday, said: "I am happy to say that we delivered for Josh on every level and helped him realise his goals in the sport.

"We all wish Josh every success for the future and will always remember the great nights we enjoyed in Leeds.”

And Matchroom kingpin Hearn showed no sign of smugness at welcoming Warrington back into the fold.

Anthony Joshua’s matchmaker said: “I’m ecstatic to welcome Josh Warrington back to Matchroom.

“We had some amazing times helping to build Josh in Leeds and now we reunite at a time when he is the king of the division.

“Josh has some of the most loyal and passionate supporters in sport and we look forward to delivering nights they will never forget.

“There is so much more for Josh to accomplish and today starts a new chapter in the thrilling Josh Warrington story.”