Boxing
Ben Shalom launches explosive rant at Zuffa: 'It's illegal and a disgrace'
Williamson vs. Simpson 2 live on DAZN - Saturday
BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom has hit out at rival promoter Zuffa in an extraordinary, emotional, swear-ladened rant.
Shalom was speaking in the aftermath of the Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II press conference at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, ahead of their rematch live and exclusive on DAZN subscription on Saturday night.
BOXXER have lost both former WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith and prospect Sam Hickey to Zuffa, who fights on a Zuffa card on the same night as the BOXXER fight night in Leeds. While their influence looks to have tipped the scales for the all-British fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to be fought in the US.
Shalom chose this moment to launch into a scathing attack on his rival promoter.
"They are just trying to take the sport away from us [the British]. This sport does not need American investment trying to rip it up and line their own pockets," Shalom told DAZN News's Eze Obasi.
"Let's be clear this is a shareholder play. I've seen it, those trying to get involved in the sport have no love for boxing, just their own interests.
"Their activity is illegal. Why would we want this in our sport. Are you nuts? I'm ashamed at what's going on and the way some people in boxing are supporting it. It's a disgrace."
Watch Ben Shalom's full Zuffa rant below.
