Frank Warren begins legal proceedings against Matchroom signing Ricky Burns
Last Updated: March 11, 2013 4:35pm
Ricky Burns and Frank Warren: Split set to end in court
Frank Warren is suing Ricky Burns for "substantial damages" following the lightweight world champion's defection to Matchroom.
Eddie Hearn plans to put Burns back in a Scottish ring on 11 May following the WBO title-holder's decision to jump ship and says the threat of legal action will not disrupt that date.
But Warren maintains Burns is contracted to contest a delayed unification fight with IBF champ Miguel Vazquez in London on 20 April.
And a statement from Frank Warren Promotions read: "Since being promoted and managed by Frank Warren, Ricky Burns has earned just approaching £750,000 and has had seven world title fights in just over two years.
"Ricky Burns is under binding promotional and management contracts.
"Following the announcement by Eddie Hearn that Ricky Burns has signed with him, W Promotions Limited and Frank Warren are suing Burns for substantial damages."
In the meantime Warren is pressing ahead with his plans for next month's Wembley Arena bill, which will feature Nathan Cleverley's WBO light-heavyweight title defence against Robin Krasniqi.
Kevin Mitchell, whose last fight was a comprehensive defeat to Burns in September, will return in a 10-round contest on the undercard which also includes Commonwealth super-featherweight champ Liam Walsh.
