BN: Fans want to know why Adam Azim gave up the European title without facing Dalton Smith. What is your answer to that?
Shalom: It was a difficult decision to make, but I had to consider my options. Harlem Eubank was one of those options. In his (Azim’s) career, most people in and around boxing knew that a Dalton vs. Smith fight was meaningless at this stage in his career. From a financial point of view, from a development point of view, from almost every point of view. Especially when there are such attractive options on the table. Our focus is on Adam’s development and you getting the opportunity to fight Eubank, especially Eubank who is undefeated. Harlem had a great few years where he really excelled. This is about both Harlem Eubank and Adam Azim. It’s going to be a great fight and we think it’s going to be the right fight for Adam next. The Fabio Wardley vs. Frazer Clarke scenario taught us that fights only get bigger when they happen at the right time, breaking absolute records. Adam he is 21 years old so I need to put him first instead of asking him to pay me back. That’s not the business we’re in.
BN: Is Azim vs. Eubank the main event or an under card highlight?
Shalom: Actually, we’re still investigating. It is scheduled to be held in early summer and we are currently considering options and venues. I think we will be able to announce it sometime next week. BN: Any news about the rematch between Chris Billum-Smith and Richard Riakpohe? Shalom: The dates have already been decided and we will be 100% announcing the venue next week. It’s a big battle and everything is agreed.
BN: Will there be a Joshua Bouatsi vs. Anthony Yarde?
Shalom: I think that’s right. Everything is done and everything is ready. And they (Queensberry) have to make an agreement with Anthony. But I believe it will happen this summer and I really hope it happens.
Ben Shalom on Adam Azim vacating his European title, Buatsi-Yarde, Wardley-Clarke rematch and more
The post Ben Shalom on Adam Azim vacating his European title, Buatsi-Yarde, Wardley-Clarke rematch and more appeared first on Boxing News.
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BN: First, given their exceptional performance last Sunday, would you like to see a rematch between Wardley and Clarke, or a less demanding match for them?
Shalom: I think that’s a good argument that I’ve never really faced before. But this fight was so unique that I think both sides need to consider it. I really want a rematch, just like the fans really want a rematch. It’s going to make even more money than you imagine, and I think that’s inevitable. This story, this act, has captivated the nation, but it’s just a matter of when it will happen. Mainly to give both fighters a chance to recover. It was very intense, very exciting, and very demanding. I think Fabio will probably need more time than Fraser given his face and nose injuries. It might force us a little too. When that happens, and when it can happen safely, will definitely be a consideration for fans and fighters alike. I think we need to put that at the forefront. BN: Lauren Price’s world title fight against Jessica McCaskill will be shown on BBC Wales in partnership with Sky.
Can fans expect more from her association with the BBC in the future, or will it be a one-off?
Shalom: I think so. For us, it has always been our job to give our fighters the best possible attention. You have to see how superstars are created. It’s about introducing superstars to the widest possible audience and bringing them into the mainstream consciousness of casual fans. Lauren Price is a Welsh superstar. She is a national icon, a gold medalist, an MBE and the appetite we see on tickets to see her is truly incredible. Did she think she would be our biggest ticket seller? No. But what she’s doing now, in just her seventh race, is unbelievable. Wouldn’t it be great for everyone in Wales to sit back as a team and watch Lauren Price overcome some very tough battles to become world champion at this stage of her career? What a wonderful sight! In our opinion, Katie Taylor’s legacy in Ireland, if properly promoted, will be Lauren Price’s legacy in Wales. I felt that was very important to this fight. I also have to thank Skye. They may have exclusive rights, but they were happy to do this deal with us and the BBC to introduce Lauren to all of Wales and have the whole nation behind her. This is amazing. We were there on Easter Sunday for the same reason (Wardley vs. Wardley game) Clerk]. You can see that it’s causing some noise for the two of them, especially Fraser Clarke. I think in breakout fights it’s very important to reach as wide an audience as possible and that’s always been the strategy.
BN: Are there any plans to add new faces to Boxxer?
Shalom: There’s a couple we’re keeping an eye on. But I think we were very focused on building a stable in a very short period of time. We’re getting to the point where we have to deliver. We want everyone who signs for us to know that we’re getting results. The focus this year is to give Tasha Jonas a comeback fight, give Bouatsi a breakout fight, give Fraser (Clarke) a fight, strengthen Ben Whittaker and give Adam Azim a fight. Ta. Lauren Price has a world title fight coming up, Richard Liakpoli has a world title fight coming up, and Lawrence Okolie has a world title fight coming up. Our focus now is to provide stable facilities. I think we have incredible talent. They have the potential to be the faces of boxing and future stars, and we’re very happy about that. If there is something special, we are interested. .
