Battle for Olympian Teremoana Jr heads to Supreme Court amid fallout between Mick Francis and Eddie Hearn

A courtroom showdown is set to determine the future home of an Aussie Olympics boxing star.

A LEGAL dispute between rival promoters could see Olympic heavyweight Teremoana Teremoana Jr defect from Australia to the UK.

Australian promoter Mick Francis has taken both Teremoana and British promotional company Matchroom Boxing to the Brisbane Supreme Court claiming tortious interference over a contract he holds with the fighter until January 1, 2025.

It’s understood Francis has claimed Matchroom, led by well-known British promoter Eddie Hearn, has signed Teremoana to a deal during a contractual period that ringfences him from rival promoters until the signed deal expires.

However, Teremoana’s legal team has countered by saying the original deal is void because Francis had not held up his end by delivering four professional fights for the 26-year-old.

Teremoana faces a legal battle from Aussie promoter. Picture: Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Teremoana, who is 4-0 (4KO) since the start of his professional career in 2020, had his last pro bout in September 2022.

He then returned to the amateur ranks to pursue his dream of competing at the Paris Olympics, which he achieved.

Teremoana was one of the stars of the Australian boxing team competing in France, but returned home without a medal after losing his quarter-final to eventual super-heavyweight (92kg+) gold medallist Bakhodir Jalalov – who was the raging hot favourite and defending Olympic champion.

Teremoana Teremoana’s profile grew after his Paris Olympics campaign. Picture: Adam Head

During that time, it’s believed Matchroom entered discussions with Teremoana for a professional promotional deal, unbeknown to his promoter Francis.

Francis, who runs Tasman Fighters, had a working relationship with Hearn, having used the Englishman for co-promoted fights for his other stars, cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia and heavyweight prospect Justis Huni.

However, that relationship has now soured over the Teremoana saga.

What the Supreme Court must decide next Wednesday is if Matchroom wrongfully interfered with contractual relations in approaching or signing Teremoana while he was under a legitimate contract, or if his contract with Francis was void because of obligations not met.

Francis could not speak specifically to the details given the ongoing legal proceedings, but told this masthead: “I fulfilled my obligations under the contract.

“A contract is a contract, and if I don’t put my foot down on this particular deal, what is stopping these big promoters coming in and taking fighters from any manager or promoter in Australia?”

Boxing promoters Eddie Hearn (far left) and Mick Francis (second left) with cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia (centre). Picture: Supplied

It’s understood that Francis’ case includes factors such as Covid lockdown restrictions, and Teremoana’s return to the amateurs, as factors in why the four fights were not fulfilled, but also that if they are indeed met by the end of this year, it would automatically trigger a two-year extension that would keep Teremoana signed to him until the end of 2027.

Matchroom, if they have signed Teremoana, would likely look to base him in the UK where they have a number of top heavyweights including former world champion Anthony Joshua.

Huni and Opetaia have fought under the Matchroom banner in shows in the UK and Saudi Arabia, and a similar path would likely await Teremoana, who at 198cm and 120kg, is one of the most physically imposing prospects in the division.

The outcome of the legal case will have major ramifications for Teremoana’s path in the heavyweight ranks, and which country he will be largely based in.

Hearn did not return calls and messages, while Teremoana could not be reached for comment.

Originally published as Battle for Olympian Teremoana Jr heads to Supreme Court amid fallout between Mick Francis and Eddie Hearn