Zuffa Boxing’s first event in the United Kingdom appears likely to proceed this Saturday despite a legal dispute launched by rival promoter Boxxer over fighters scheduled to compete on the card.
The show, headlined by former WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith against Canadian contender Ryan Rozicki, is set to take place at the Bournemouth International Centre. British fighters Jack Massey and Sam Hickey are also scheduled to appear on the undercard.
The event is expected to be broadcast by Sky Sports, but promoter Boxxer has claimed that some fighters on the bill remain tied to existing contractual agreements with the company and are participating without its approval.
According to Boxxer, it has initiated urgent legal proceedings seeking an injunction against both Zuffa Boxing and Sky Sports. The promoter argues that the fighters involved are still bound by contractual obligations and that all relevant parties have been informed of those commitments.
Boxxer stated that despite its warnings, the fighters continue to be advertised and promoted for the event. The company added that recent developments left it with no alternative but to pursue additional action through the English courts.
Sources indicate that Zuffa Boxing disputes Boxxer’s claims and intends to move forward with the event as scheduled.
Zuffa Boxing, a new venture launched by Dana White and supported by Saudi Arabian investment, is aiming to establish itself as a major force in professional boxing and challenge the sport’s established promoters.
Billam-Smith joined Zuffa Boxing in April after agreeing to a multi-fight contract, having previously competed under the Boxxer banner led by promoter Ben Shalom. The legal dispute now adds further intrigue to the promotion’s highly anticipated UK debut.