Christopher Roberts’ lavish praise for the money s

Christopher Roberts’ lavish praise for the money spinning talent of ‘rainmaker’ Frank Warren failed to melt the icy tension between them.

The former partner of the top fight promoter handled the ‘back office’ finance of their successful business while the flamboyant showman pulled in the big names.

He spoke of ‘my dear friend’, referred to Warren’s ‘entrepreneurial flair’,
described him as the ‘money maker’, and paid tribute the showman’s negotiating skills.

But despite the complements, he was forced to admit their friendship was now
history following a bitter split in the wake of their arrest.

Their partnership was formerly ended in February last year.

Born in Kent and educated at grammar school, the married father-of-one forged a career in banking, meeting Warren as a client of a leading multinational finance house Citibank, where he had risen to be a manager.

Roberts left the banking world to strike out on his own, being invited by
Warren to be a consultant in the London Arena project and assisting him in the boxing business on an ‘ad hoc basis.

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The former banker founded Sports Network Limited, at first to develop a
Stevenage ice-rink, but later went on to handle Warren’s activity in the
boxing world amongst other projects, profits being split between them.

Roberts, who stressed he was never an accountant, also ran the New Hunters
Club, a ‘gentlemen’s drinking club’ in the City of London.

He admitted Warren believed he had ‘complete control’ over their finances but denied ever misleading his partner over their financial situation or ‘deliberately or accidentally’ giving the showman false information.

Asked if he was ‘up to the job’ by Warren’s barrister Alun Jones,QC, he quoted fabled Scots poet Robbie Burns and said it was for others to judge.

And asked about the ‘coldness and distance’ between them now, Roberts used the word ‘acrimony’ to describe the current relationship.

He also agreed when they now saw each other ‘it’s not Robbie Burns and Auld
Lang Syne.

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It was also clear that Warren believed he was let down by Roberts who he
accused of not doing his job.

Until falling foul of the Vatman, the promoter said they enjoyed ‘quite a good relationship’ and ‘got on.

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But he stressed Roberts’ job was to run aa tight ship.

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ends