Zuffa Boxing plans to go ahead with Chris Billum-Smith fight despite legal challenge from rival promoters

Zuffa Boxing’s first show in the UK, featuring Chris Billam-Smith, looks set to go ahead on Saturday despite legal action by rival promoter Boxer.

Former WBO cruiserweight champion Billam-Smith will fight Canadian Ryan Rosicky in the title bout at the Bournemouth International Centre, with fellow Britons Jack Massey and Sam Hickey on the undercard.

The event will be shown on Sky Sports, but promoter Boxer claims the fighters on the bill have contractual rights and say they are appearing without “consent or approval”.

BBC Sport understands Zuffa does not accept the boxer’s demands and plans to go ahead with the event as planned.

“Boxer can confirm that it is seeking urgent injunctive relief against Zuffa Boxing and Sky Sports in relation to the promotion and proposed participation of fighters who will be subject to contractual obligations with Boxer,” a Boxer statement said.

“Boxer has confirmed that all parties involved are fully aware of the contractual obligations owed to Boxer by fighters promoted for Saturday’s event. However, those fighters continue to be advertised and promoted without Boxer’s consent.

“As a result of the behavior it has witnessed in recent months, Boxer has no choice but to seek further relief from the English courts.”

Zuffa Boxing, founded by UFC president Dana White and backed by Saudi Arabian funding, is looking to challenge the sport’s established promoters.

Billum-Smith signed a multi-fight contract with Zuffa Boxing in April after being promoted by Ben Shalom Boxer.