Zuffa Boxing sued by Boxxer and attacked by Eddie Hearn in UK promoter feud

Dana White’s boxing start‑up Zuffa Boxing is facing legal action from rival promotion Boxxer, which has filed for injunctive relief in English courts alleging that Zuffa poached fighters Chris Billam‑Smith and Sam Hickey who remain under contract with Boxxer. The suit also names Sky Sports, which is set to broadcast Zuffa’s events, as a co‑defendant.

Meanwhile, Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn used a Sheffield press interview to launch a scathing attack on Zuffa, saying “Zuffa have got lawsuits coming out of their a**” and accusing the promotion of lacking vision and resorting to gimmicks. Hearn defended his own upcoming cards and argued that Zuffa has not broken into the top‑10 promotional outfits. The public feud underscores a broader rivalry among UK boxing promoters as Zuffa seeks to expand its market presence with Saudi backing.