Kalle Sauerland, in Belfast to promote Conlan’s featherweight clash with Kevin Walsh on 20 March at the SSE Arena, was Eubank’s promoter for that cancelled fight in 2022 and admits to “mistakes” when trying to force the fight through before the British Boxing Board of Control ultimately pulled the plug.
While he was also surprised to see Benn make the move considering the united front he saw from the fighter and Hearn during that period, the long-time promoter is also savvy enough to know the game and
“What I saw then (in 2022) was a team (Benn’s) that really stuck together,” Sauerland said.
“I’m not buying into the whole loyalty thing as growing up, we always had Sunday lunches with guests and one was Mickey Duff, a top promoter in the ’70s and ’80s and he always would say ‘if you want loyalty, buy a dog’.
“Is it about loyalty because he’s taken a higher offer? He’s only got one career, so I understand it from that position.
“I know this won’t be an easy pill for Eddie and although I’m not buying all the spin about the money lent (to Benn) because you do have a pre-payment to a fighter for his purse, what I do buy is the emotional aspect to it as I’ve been there before.”
Zuffa Boxing, rebranded from TKO Boxing in 2025, is led by UFC chief White with backing from the Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, Turki Alalshikh.
It intends to crown its own champions, using The Ring Magazine rankings to determine top contenders, and bypass the traditional sanctioning bodies.
Benn’s capture follows that of cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia as the company rapidly builds its roster and while some eyebrows have been raised and feathers ruffled, Sauerland is not hitting the panic button.
“Zuffa, they haven’t said themselves what they are so I can only judge it when I see it.
“The idea of a league in boxing in America may have something to it as it maybe needs a format and shot in the arm.
“We’ve seen a massive show with ‘Canelo’ (Saul Alvarez)-Terence Crawford (promoted) by White and the Saudis, so how does that all fit in?
“I was always brought up to believe competition in boxing is a good thing as it brings more eyes, money and broadcasters to the sport.”