ByDan George

BBC Sport in Bournemouth

Published

1 hour ago

Amid promoter tensions and unexpected signings of major talents, Zuffa Boxing has launched with notable attention in the boxing world.

The outfit stages its debut British card on Saturday, led by local hero Chris Billam-Smith in Bournemouth, marking their initial push to gain traction in Europe.

Established by UFC chief Dana White with Saudi backing, the venture seeks to challenge existing promoters globally in the boxing arena.

White, renowned in mixed martial arts, now extends his reach into another combat sport.

Zuffa Boxing first drew headlines by securing welterweight Conor Benn in a bold shift away from Eddie Hearn's Matchroom in February.

They have since added several British boxers, focusing notably on the cruiserweight ranks.

Four new 200lb recruits feature on Saturday, including Billam-Smith against Ryan Rozicki and Jack Massey versus Cheavon Clarke.

Ex-IBF cruiserweight titleholder Jai Opetaia, another switch from Matchroom, is linked with a bout against the victor of the headline clash.

How does Zuffa approach matters differently?

White has committed to altering dealings with sanctioning bodies and conventional titles.

The promotion currently covers eight divisions with a single Zuffa champion in each.

White has avoided the standard WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF belts, sparking debate.

Opetaia lost his IBF crown in March upon defeating Brandon Glanton to claim Zuffa Boxing's inaugural title.

White aims to revise the Muhammad Ali Act, a 2000 US statute safeguarding fighters and curbing monopolies.

Changes might validate a Zuffa belt as an official world title, reducing reliance on other organizations.

WBC welterweight king Ryan Garcia indicated in May a September clash with Benn, though no formal confirmation exists yet.

White's boxing involvement has occasionally included traditional titles, such as co-promoting Canelo Alvarez against Terrance Crawford last year for all four super-middleweight crowns in a Ring Magazine event.

Zuffa Boxing's first UK fight week highlights their distinct methods.

Wednesday's press event stayed subdued compared to typical British promotions.

Matchroom, Queensberry and Boxxer often stream full fighter panels early in the week for previews.

Zuffa scheduled individual media sessions at the venue in timed slots, allowing fighters to return to hotels afterward.

Only Friday's weigh-in ceremony airs live, joined by celebrities and athletes for a Q&A.

Billam-Smith noted Zuffa Boxing exceeded expectations in fighter care during fight week.

"I've felt really valued with Zuffa," he told BBC Sport.

"Their fight-week setup is outstanding, with therapists and nutritionists available, which has impressed my team.

"This prioritizes fighters, creating a massive operation where everyone feels appreciated and eager to join."

Rivalry between White and Hearn

Outside the ring, White and Matchroom's Hearn have exchanged words since Zuffa Boxing's January debut.

Online disputes even prompted lighthearted fight suggestions in interviews.

The feud has extended to business maneuvers in their fields.

After White acquired Benn and Opetaia, Hearn signed UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall to his new agency.

Hearn recently urged White to free Aspinall from his UFC deal, claiming inadequate pay.

Billam-Smith had been with Hearn before moving to Boxxer, fulfilling his Bournemouth dream in 2022.

He fought three more times locally and captured the WBO world title at AFC Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium in 2023.

"Eddie never envisioned us fighting here as we desired, but Dana is delivering on prior events," Billam-Smith said.

Many have challenged Frank Warren and Hearn without matching their sustained success.

White has a track record of dominating new sports, elevating UFC from minor status to leader by acquiring rivals like Strikeforce and Pride.

Saturday offers Zuffa Boxing the chance to stake a claim in Britain as White seeks major status in UK boxing.

How does Zuffa approach matters differently?

Rivalry between White and Hearn

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