Ben Shalom accuses Zuffa Boxing of ‘scandalous’ conduct in contract dispute

[Ruthless-RKO]

Ben Shalom accuses Zuffa Boxing of ‘scandalous’ conduct in contract dispute

Ben Shalom has accused Dana White's Zuffa Boxing of engaging in "scandalous" behavior after Boxxer filed legal action against the promotional group over the alleged poaching of contracted fighters.

Last week, Boxxer launched a lawsuit against Zuffa Boxing claiming the company signed and used fighters who were still under contract with the British promoter. The fighters in question are former WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith and middleweight prospect Sam Hickey, both of whom appeared on Zuffa's inaugural UK event on Sky Sports and Paramount+ in Bournemouth on June 6.

"We have to protect our business because it's dangerous and damages aren't appropriate," Shalom told Boxing Scene. "We need to stop them from being able to take our fighters and staff.

"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. 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."

The Bournemouth event marked Zuffa Boxing's first major step into the UK market and was broadcast by Sky Sports, Boxxer's former television partner. Dana White publicly dismissed Boxxer’s lawsuit following the event, but Shalom suggested White is not fully aware of the details involved.

"Dana doesn't even know the names of the fighters that we're talking about," said Shalom. "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, perhaps Shalom’s most prized asset, was pictured alongside White at Saturday’s event, prompting speculation that he too could make the jump to Zuffa Boxing. Shalom, however, had no issue with Azim, who was there supporting his gym-mates, taking the photograph.

"It's fine. Dana is a celebrity, he's gone to watch Chris Billam-Smith, it is what it is," said Shalom. "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."

[SeanBrennan]

Ben is a lot more forthright in interviews now he’s clearly learned a lot.

[Spud MK2]

Its a shame people cant see why has beem treated so distgustingly badly

[rio]

When this goes to court Will be like Better call saul vs OJ Simpson Dream team!

[johnmanchester]

Ben is a lot more forthright in interviews now he’s clearly learned a lot.

Might just be a performance for investors

[SeanBrennan]

Ben is a lot more forthright in interviews now he’s clearly learned a lot.

Might just be a performance for investors

Possibly I’ve not a clue re why, I’m just glad he’s not just taking it without retort

[2457825]

Poor Ben, he's seems perpetually aggrieved.

[SeanBrennan]

Poor Ben, he's seems perpetually aggrieved.

That’s a very long word for a Tuesday!