Wasserman Acquires Boxing Giants Team Sauerland

[Ruthless-RKO]

New Matchroom, Queensberry UK rivals Wasserman acquire Sauerland

A new UK rival in Wasserman Boxing has transpired from a takeover of well-known promoters Team Sauerland consisting of brothers Kalle and Nisse Sauerland.

WBN received a confirmation from Wasserman of their huge move in the sport as they plot a big stake in future events moving forward.

Eyeing the UK market in particular, Wasserman Boxing aims to be challenging the likes of Matchroom Boxing and Frank's Queensberry.

The information read:

Wasserman has announced the acquisition of Team Sauerland, one of the world’s leading boxing promoters. The deal also catalyzes the creation of WASSERMAN BOXING.

An exciting new boxing-focused marketing and promotions offering within Wasserman’s industry leading global sports’ company.

This addition is also a major statement of Wasserman’s intent within the Boxing industry. Thereby supplementing its internationally acclaimed representation business.

Wasserman comprises 2000 plus clients across 42 different sports. They include renowned names such as Steven Gerrard, Russell Westbrook, Rickie Fowler, Megan Rapinoe, Marshawn Lynch, and Jamie Vardy.

In 1978 by Hall of Fame legend Wilfried Sauerland, Team Sauerland is led by brothers Kalle & Nisse Sauerland has been a leading presence in world boxing for over five decades.

They have promoted more than 50 world champions across multiple weight classes.

Their history within the sport is unrivaled. They’ve promoted thousands of championship events worldwide – breaking box office records in Europe, Asia, Africa, the US, and Latin America.

During this time that has worked with top fighters such as David Haye, Evander Holyfield, and Mikkel Kessler. Plus, current World Champion Mairis Briedis. Also, Filip Hrgovic and Chris Eubank Jr.

This new announcement has greatly enhanced Wasserman’s current Boxing division’s reputation, having successfully represented several leading athletes, including former super middleweight world champion George Groves and London 2012 medalist Anthony Ogogo.

Casey Wasserman, Chairman and CEO of Wasserman said, “We are delighted to welcome Kalle, Nisse, and their team to Wasserman. Their expertise and history within the sport are unrivaled. We are incredibly excited about the formation of Wasserman Boxing.

“We believe that together we can make a positive contribution to the boxing industry. And we plan to deliver world-class promotions and shows to fans around the world."

Kalle Sauerland said, “We believe Wasserman is the ideal company to not only develop what we’ve achieved at Sauerland but take it to the next level. My brother Nisse and I have been big admirers of what they do. Quite simply, they’re the best.

“The thought of having the power of Wasserman and our Boxing expertise should excite the fighters, the TV companies, and most importantly, the fans, in what is going to be an adventurous future for the sport. We are going to take this to a whole new level.”

Nisse Sauerland: "We are extremely excited to be joining forces with Wasserman. They are industry leaders. Unmatched in the marketing and representation of the biggest names and events in the world of sport.

“Working together, through Wasserman Boxing, we will provide fighters with life-changing opportunities and boxing fans with unforgettable fights and events.”

Dean Baker, EVP and Managing Executive, Global Football and Boxing, said, “When the opportunity presented itself to expand our Boxing business, it seemed a very appealing prospect. I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved in Boxing at Wasserman within a relatively short period.

“I’ve personally known and worked with the Sauerland brothers for several years.

“Their hard work, commitment, combined with their experience in Boxing and ability to put on spectacular events is unparalleled.

“I look forward to adding what we can deliver at Wasserman to create another exciting chapter for Boxing, particularly in the UK”.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Team Sauerland are leaving Germany and will from now on be based in the UK.

The move is hardly surprising as promoter Nisse Sauerland already lives in London and Sauerland doesn't have many fighters in Germany anymore - and no TV deal.

Source: BILD

[maverick23]

Interesting. They’ll need a decent TV deal to rival Matchroom/MTK/FW and I guess Eddie will only be able to do Sky or DAZN in the U.K. so this may put Wasserman in-line to do U.K. shows for the other network.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Official Press Release

Wasserman has announced the acquisition of Team Sauerland, one of the world’s leading boxing promoters. The deal also catalyses the creation of WASSERMAN BOXING, an exciting new boxing focused marketing and promotions offering within Wasserman’s industry leading global sports’ company.

This addition is also a major statement of intent by Wasserman within the Boxing industry, thereby supplementing its internationally acclaimed representation business. At present Wasserman comprises 2000 plus clients across 42 different sports including renowned names such as Steven Gerrard, Russell Westbrook, Rickie Fowler, Megan Rapinoe, Marshawn Lynch and Jamie Vardy.

Team Sauerland, founded in 1978 by Hall of Fame legend Wilfried Sauerland, is led by brothers Kalle & Nisse Sauerland, and has been a leading presence in world boxing for over five decades. They have promoted more than 50 world champions across multiple weight classes. Their history within the sport is unrivalled having promoted thousands of championship events worldwide, breaking box office records in Europe, Asia, Africa, the US and Latin America. During this time that have worked with top fighters such as David Haye, Evander Holyfield and Mikkel Kessler as well as current stars that include World Champion Mairis Briedis, Filip Hrgovic and Chris Eubank Jr.

This new announcement has greatly enhanced the reputation of Wasserman’s current Boxing division, having successfully represented a number of leading athletes including former super middleweight world champion George Groves and London 2012 medalist Anthony Ogogo.

Casey Wasserman, Chairman and CEO of Wasserman, said, “We are delighted to welcome Kalle, Nisse and their team to Wasserman. Their expertise and history within the sport is unrivalled and we are incredibly excited about the formation of Wasserman Boxing. We believe that together we can make a positive contribution to the boxing industry with plans to deliver world class promotions and shows to fans around the world”.

Kalle Sauerland said “We believe Wasserman is the ideal company to not only develop what we’ve achieved at Sauerland but take it to the next level. My brother Nisse and I have been big admirers of what they do, quite simply, they’re the best. The thought of having the power of Wasserman and our Boxing expertise should excite the fighters, the TV companies and most importantly, the fans, in what is going to be an adventurous future for the sport. We are going to take this to a whole new level.”

Nisse Sauerland: "We are extremely excited to be joining forces with Wasserman. They are industry leaders, unmatched in the marketing and representation of the biggest names and events in the world of sport. Working together, through Wasserman Boxing, we will provide fighters with life-changing opportunities, and boxing fans with unforgettable fights and events.”

Dean Baker, EVP and Managing Executive, Global Football and Boxing said “When the opportunity presented itself to expand our Boxing business it seemed a very appealing prospect, I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved in Boxing at Wasserman within a relatively short period. I’ve personally known and worked with the Sauerland brothers for a number of years. Their hard work, commitment, combined with their experience in Boxing and ability to put on spectacular events is unparalleled. I look forward to adding what we can deliver at Wasserman to create another exciting chapter for Boxing, particularly in the UK”.

[joshj909]

I hope they still use their ties to Germany and other countries to promote a few decent European fighters otherwise there will be a fairly big void without some decent financial backing for a lot of european guys.

Eubank Jr is signed with Sauerland but they'll need a few more big-ish British names to get the ball rolling. Maybe some of the guys that Frank treats badly or Eddie doesn't think about.

One big positive I can probably say is that the Sauerlands have worked well with Hearn previously so should they sign any big names, big cross-promotion fights won't be out of the question like they are with Hearn and Warren.

[Ruthless-RKO]

I hope they still use their ties to Germany and other countries to promote a few decent European fighters otherwise there will be a fairly big void without some decent financial backing for a lot of european guys.

Eubank Jr is signed with Sauerland but they'll need a few more big-ish British names to get the ball rolling. Maybe some of the guys that Frank treats badly or Eddie doesn't think about.

One big positive I can probably say is that the Sauerlands have worked well with Hearn previously so should they sign any big names, big cross-promotion fights won't be out of the question like they are with Hearn and Warren.

Universum are back from the dead.. But I guess they won't attract the best..

[Jimmy2020]

The Germans are too sensible to buy PPVs. So boxing will die there without homegrown (or imported local) talent. They have had a good run on the networks from 89 to date but there are no real superstars there at the moment.

[Ruthless-RKO]

The Germans are too sensible to buy PPVs. So boxing will die there without homegrown (or imported local) talent. They have had a good run on the networks from 89 to date but there are no real superstars there at the moment.

Yeh, the Klits weren't even from Germany, but they made that their main base.. Got huge contract with RTE as well.

[Glass Joe]

[dbf]

Wouldn't be surprised if Hearn goes with DAZN UK and Wasserman are taken on by Sky. Adam Smith has been represented by them for years.

Groves, Ogogo etc were represented by them too for media rights etc. Kalle could easily be the new Eddie for Sky, couldn't he?

[Coco]

The tv deal will be everything unless they start their own channel

[maverick23]

Wouldn't be surprised if Hearn goes with DAZN UK and Wasserman are taken on by Sky. Adam Smith has been represented by them for years.

Groves, Ogogo etc were represented by them too for media rights etc. Kalle could easily be the new Eddie for Sky, couldn't he?

Yep. It would be a big risk though going with Wasserman if they don’t have the British fighters to support it.

It certainly helps Sky’s negotiation position with Matchroom that they have a potential replacement.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Wouldn't be surprised if Hearn goes with DAZN UK and Wasserman are taken on by Sky. Adam Smith has been represented by them for years.

Groves, Ogogo etc were represented by them too for media rights etc. Kalle could easily be the new Eddie for Sky, couldn't he?

Yep. It would be a big risk though going with Wasserman if they don’t have the British fighters to support it.

It certainly helps Sky’s negotiation position with Matchroom that they have a potential replacement.

Eddie is gonns stay with Sky.

They make too much money through PPV's..

Also, If Eddie goes with DAZN, their app will definitely increase to near £20 p/m..

[mickey1975]

The Germans are too sensible to buy PPVs. So boxing will die there without homegrown (or imported local) talent. They have had a good run on the networks from 89 to date but there are no real superstars there at the moment.

Yeh, the Klits weren't even from Germany, but they made that their main base.. Got huge contract with RTE as well.

Hardly any were German. Abraham, Sturm, all those lads were usually immigrants.

[Ruthless-RKO]

The Germans are too sensible to buy PPVs. So boxing will die there without homegrown (or imported local) talent. They have had a good run on the networks from 89 to date but there are no real superstars there at the moment.

Yeh, the Klits weren't even from Germany, but they made that their main base.. Got huge contract with RTE as well.

Hardly any were German. Abraham, Sturm, all those lads were usually immigrants.

Yhe, true.. They promoted more or less anyone in Europe..

[dbf]

Wouldn't be surprised if Hearn goes with DAZN UK and Wasserman are taken on by Sky. Adam Smith has been represented by them for years.

Groves, Ogogo etc were represented by them too for media rights etc. Kalle could easily be the new Eddie for Sky, couldn't he?

Yep. It would be a big risk though going with Wasserman if they don’t have the British fighters to support it.

It certainly helps Sky’s negotiation position with Matchroom that they have a potential replacement.

Eddie is gonns stay with Sky.

They make too much money through PPV's..

Also, If Eddie goes with DAZN, their app will definitely increase to near £20 p/m..

I thought that originally but now I'm not so sure. He talks about DAZN as if he is DAZN as in a share holder or director. The global appeal suits his ambitions.

It all hinges on AJ though. If he loses against Fury badly in the first fight (around the time of the renewal) then its makes him a less lucrative option for Sky.

With Barry stepping down soon, Eddie has made noises that he will have to step into a role that focuses on the whole matchroom group not just boxing, leaving Frank Smith in charge of boxing. I wouldn't be surpised if AJ wins both fights against Fury Hearn will take a step back from Boxing. Money made, promoted the two biggest fights in the sport's history. arguably from a commercial stand point, and promoted an undisputed heavyweight champ from scratch, it doesn't get any bigger. Perfect time to bow out in my opinion.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Yep. It would be a big risk though going with Wasserman if they don’t have the British fighters to support it.

It certainly helps Sky’s negotiation position with Matchroom that they have a potential replacement.

Eddie is gonns stay with Sky.

They make too much money through PPV's..

Also, If Eddie goes with DAZN, their app will definitely increase to near £20 p/m..

I thought that originally but now I'm not so sure. He talks about DAZN as if he is DAZN as in a share holder or director. The global appeal suits his ambitions.

It all hinges on AJ though. If he loses against Fury badly in the first fight (around the time of the renewal) then its makes him a less lucrative option for Sky.

With Barry stepping down soon, Eddie has made noises that he will have to step into a role that focuses on the whole matchroom group not just boxing, leaving Frank Smith in charge of boxing. I wouldn't be surpised if AJ wins both fights against Fury Hearn will take a step back from Boxing. Money made, promoted the two biggest fights in the sport's history. arguably from a commercial stand point, and promoted an undisputed heavyweight champ from scratch, it doesn't get any bigger. Perfect time to bow out in my opinion.

Hat's off to him. He's done a lot in the 10-11 years he's been in charge..

[handsofstone]

I seen Bazza tweet "joke" , not sure what his problem is, comes across bitter

[maverick23]

I seen Bazza tweet "joke" , not sure what his problem is, comes across bitter

I listened to an interview with Kalle and it sounded like he had a TV deal already sorted.

They asked Kalle about Barry’s tweet and he didn’t seem massively surprised so perhaps it’s Sky they’re looking at.

I checked Barry’s Twitter to see if it was legit and it was but it was in response to Wasserman’s launch video which said in there that Sauerland were ‘the rulers of European boxing since the 1980s’ which, in fairness, is a joke!

[mickey1975]

I seen Bazza tweet "joke" , not sure what his problem is, comes across bitter

I listened to an interview with Kalle and it sounded like he had a TV deal already sorted.

They asked Kalle about Barry’s tweet and he didn’t seem massively surprised so perhaps it’s Sky they’re looking at.

I checked Barry’s Twitter to see if it was legit and it was but it was in response to Wasserman’s launch video which said in there that Sauerland were ‘the rulers of European boxing since the 1980s’ which, in fairness, is a joke!

Duff, Fwank and Hearn ruled The Uk. Acaries France, Universum had a good share of their side.

[maverick23]

I seen Bazza tweet "joke" , not sure what his problem is, comes across bitter

I listened to an interview with Kalle and it sounded like he had a TV deal already sorted.

They asked Kalle about Barry’s tweet and he didn’t seem massively surprised so perhaps it’s Sky they’re looking at.

I checked Barry’s Twitter to see if it was legit and it was but it was in response to Wasserman’s launch video which said in there that Sauerland were ‘the rulers of European boxing since the 1980s’ which, in fairness, is a joke!

Duff, Fwank and Hearn ruled The Uk. Acaries France, Universum had a good share of their side.

Yep - Sauerland did well putting on some decent shows (albeit often with one sided main events) in countries without much competition like Denmark, Finland and others but German boxing has never been in a worse state than now and they’ve already had a couple of false dawns in the U.K. Let’s see what happens.

[Muttley]

Wouldn't be surprised if Hearn goes with DAZN UK and Wasserman are taken on by Sky. Adam Smith has been represented by them for years.

Groves, Ogogo etc were represented by them too for media rights etc. Kalle could easily be the new Eddie for Sky, couldn't he?

No chance. Hearn will never leave Sky as long as they broadcast boxing. Matchroom have too much invested in Sky Sports and not just boxing.

[Muttley]

I seen Bazza tweet "joke" , not sure what his problem is, comes across bitter

I listened to an interview with Kalle and it sounded like he had a TV deal already sorted.

They asked Kalle about Barry’s tweet and he didn’t seem massively surprised so perhaps it’s Sky they’re looking at.

I checked Barry’s Twitter to see if it was legit and it was but it was in response to Wasserman’s launch video which said in there that Sauerland were ‘the rulers of European boxing since the 1980s’ which, in fairness, is a joke!

Duff, Fwank and Hearn ruled The Uk. Acaries France, Universum had a good share of their side.

Don't forget Mogans Palle. He had a massive Scandinavian tv contract in the 80's and 90's

[cormack]

wasserman sounds a bit like a plumbing shop or a kitchen gadget .

[Petu v.d. Pajm]

Don't forget Mogans Palle. He had a massive Scandinavian tv contract in the 80's and 90's

Actually, the massive contract was Denmark only. Occasional scraps from Norway/Sweden maybe, not a penny from Finland except for Mike Tyson-Brian Nielsen extravaganza.

Yes, Palle was big (huge for a small country like Denmark) but didn't really business-wise cross any borders (he had several Swedish/Norwegian fighters though).