BOXXER’s Ben Shalom blasts Matchroom’s Frank Smith over “bizarre” behaviour
Matchroom CEO, Frank Smith, has been very outspoken towards his promotional rival Ben Shalom, branding the BOXXER founder as “desperate” and claiming he doesn’t get on with the 30-year-old promoter.
The feud has been brewing for a number of years, however, appears to be mostly one-sided with Smith continuously berating the young promoter.
Speaking to iFL TV, Shalom broke down Smith’s comments, admitting he finds the hostile behaviour extremely unusual.
“I think it’s quite bizarre, to be honest. My friends have shown me over 100 videos talking about me over the past couple of years, I didn’t even say anything.
“I find it bizarre; I think there’s a little jealousy. I’m younger than him, I run my own business, but I also appreciate he’s under instruction. I wouldn’t have one of my staff come after him, but he’s trying to make a bit of a stir and a bit of a name. Yeah, bizarre, a little unprofessional.”
Shalom first got into the promotional game at age 23, becoming the UK’s youngest licensed boxing promoter. Now seven years on, he is Sky Sports’ exclusive UK promoter.
BOXXER looks set to continue growing its empire through 2024. The promotion has already confirmed several big British fights scheduled for the near future.
Olympic champion and amateur star Lauren Price is set to challenge Jessica McCaskill for the Unified welterweight crown on May 11.
Later in the year, Billam-Smith looks ready to defend his WBO cruiserweight strap, locking horns with his long-time rival – and the only man to ever beat him in the ring – Richard Riakporhe. The fight has just been officially announced, due to take place on June 15 at Selhurst Park.