Ben Shalom reveals details of rivalry with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom
Eddie Hearn has continuously gunned for Ben Shalom and Boxxer in recent weeks, after the EBU ordered for a fight between Dalton Smith and Adam Azim, a bout that Shalom seemingly would rather delay. However, the 29-year-old promoter has now opened up on his rivalry with Hearn, wishing that Matchroom Boxing would ‘take a different approach’.
Azim won the EBU European super-lightweight title against Franck Petitjean back in November and defended the belt just three months later against Enock Poulsen.
Yet, the length of his reign may be cut short if he does not face mandatory challenger, Dalton Smith, after the EBU ordered the all-British affair.
As a result, Hearn has ordered Shalom to make Azim either vacate the belt or make the fight, but in an interview with The MMA Hour, Shalom explained why it may be better for Azim to swerve Smith for now, before discussing his rivalry with Hearn, who continues to pour pressure on his rival promoter.
“Adam Azim is a baby. He is a 21-year-old. I’d want to catch him early [if I was Dalton Smith], I’d want him as early as possible. I believe that Adam Azim beats Dalton Smith now, but I believe that he wipes the floor with him in three fights’ [time].
“Ultimately, I get it. We’re like the young, annoying little sh*t that has broken into the industry and is doing well and is the master of great stable and probably has some of the future stars in the sport, particularly in this country.
“I’d love for them to take a different approach and not see it as they do and I’d love in the future to be able to work with them – they’re probably the only promoters we’ve found difficult to work with.”
Adam Azim is set to announce his decision imminently, with Shalom claiming he will hear back from the youngster with a decision within the next 24/48 hours.