BOXXER sues Dana White's Zuffa Boxing over fighter contracts
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 6, 2026, 6:00 PM
Last updated Jun 6, 2026
BOXXER has filed a lawsuit against Zuffa Boxing as the latter prepares for its first event in the UK. The legal action alleges that Zuffa unlawfully poached fighters Chris Billam-Smith and Sam Hickey, who are set to debut with the promotion this Saturday in Bournemouth. BOXXER claims that Billam-Smith was still in an exclusive negotiating period with them, while Hickey is alleged to be under a long-term contract. Additionally, BOXXER is seeking injunctive relief from the British courts against Zuffa and Sky Sports, which now partners with Zuffa after a previous exclusive deal with BOXXER lapsed. The lawsuit seeks to halt the promotions related to the upcoming fight card.
- •BOXXER claims Zuffa Boxing unlawfully signed Chris Billam-Smith and Sam Hickey.
- •The lawsuit was filed before Zuffa's first UK event on June 6, 2026.
- •BOXXER seeks injunctive relief against Zuffa and Sky Sports in British courts.
- •Sky Sports previously had an exclusive deal with BOXXER that expired in June 2025.
- •Jack Massey may also face legal issues related to his contract with BOXXER.
- 6:00 PMYahoo Sports — Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing Hit With First Lawsuit Over Fighter Poaching
- 5:27 PMYahoo Sports — Dana White's Zuffa Boxing hit with lawsuit from BOXXER over alleged unlawful contractual interference
"Zuffa Boxing has only been staging fights for six months, but the growing promotion led by Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) CEO, Dana White, has already been hit with its first lawsuit. According to a report by Yahoo Sports, Zuffa Boxing is being sued by Ben Shalom’s BOXXER over allegations of unlawful contractual interference involving European […]
"On the eve of Zuffa Boxing's first show in the UK, BOXXER has welcomed the upstart promotion with open arms — handing Dana White's company its first legal battle on British soil.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 6, 2026, 6:00 PMDana White’s Zuffa Boxing Hit With First Lawsuit Over Fighter Poaching
Zuffa Boxing has only been staging fights for six months, but the growing promotion led by Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) CEO, Dana White, has already been hit with its first lawsuit. According to a report by Yahoo Sports, Zuffa Boxing is being sued by Ben Shalom’s BOXXER over allegations of unlawful contractual interference involving European […]
- Yahoo SportsJun 5, 2026, 5:27 PMDana White's Zuffa Boxing hit with lawsuit from BOXXER over alleged unlawful contractual interference
On the eve of Zuffa Boxing's first show in the UK, BOXXER has welcomed the upstart promotion with open arms — handing Dana White's company its first legal battle on British soil.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
Boxing•Sep 22, 2026, 6:05 AMThink Joshua vs Fury is bad? Tyson vs Holyfield took 12 years to make
Boxing•Sep 22, 2026, 3:13 AMPatricio ‘Pitbull’ made peace after 11 years, then delivered a UFC TKO
BoxingBoxing•Sep 22, 2026, 3:05 AMMoreu II, his dad and trainer eager for return
Boxing•Sep 21, 2026, 9:59 PMDiego Pacheco vs Darius Fulghum reportedly set for November 14th on TNT
Boxing•Sep 21, 2026, 11:54 AMAnthony Joshua to step up mind games with Tyson Fury’s ex-coach in his corner for grudge match
Boxing•Sep 21, 2026, 10:51 AMWhy Cardiff is set to win race to host Fury-Joshua