Boxxer has filed legal action against Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, with promoter Ben Shalom accusing the company of “scandalous” conduct over the alleged poaching of contracted fighters. Shalom claims Zuffa signed and used boxers still tied to his British promotion, and he has gone as far as suggesting White does not even know the names of the fighters at the centre of the dispute.
The fighters in question are former WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith and middleweight prospect Sam Hickey. Both appeared on Zuffa Boxing’s inaugural UK event in Bournemouth on June 6, which aired on Sky Sports and Paramount+, according to BoxingScene.
Shalom told the outlet that Boxxer needs to defend itself because financial damages alone would not be enough.
“We have to protect our business because it’s dangerous and damages aren’t appropriate,” Shalom said. “We need to stop them from being able to take our fighters and staff.”
Shalom Brands Conduct ‘Scandalous’
The Bournemouth card marked Zuffa Boxing’s first major move into the UK market, broadcast by Sky Sports, which was previously Boxxer’s television partner. Shalom said he remains unsure whether the fighters were encouraged to walk away from their deals.
“We can all laugh and joke about it but it’s just not how it’s done. Have [the fighters] been incentivised to break contracts? I don’t know, I really don’t know,” Shalom said. “I’m as confused as everyone else, but for that sort of behavior to be going on from a blue-chip broadcaster is pretty scandalous to be honest.”
White publicly dismissed the lawsuit after the event, but Shalom suggested the UFC boss is not across the details.
“Dana doesn’t even know the names of the fighters that we’re talking about,” Shalom said. “He’s told what to say and that’s it. I’m going to let it come out, because it’ll come out in the next three weeks.”
Adam Azim Photo Not An Issue
Adam Azim, regarded as one of Shalom’s most prized assets, was pictured alongside White at the event, fuelling speculation he could also jump to Zuffa Boxing. Shalom played down the photograph, noting Azim was there supporting his gym-mates.
“It’s fine. Dana is a celebrity, he’s gone to watch Chris Billam-Smith, it is what it is,” Shalom said. “But ultimately Adam Azim is someone that has signed a new contract. So I’ve not got a problem with it. What I have got a problem with is the other things and ignoring contracts.”
