Ben Shalom: Building Boxing’s Future in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia

In the fast-paced world of boxing promotion, Ben Shalom is making waves with his innovative approach to developing talent in both the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. As the head of Boxxer, Shalom is committed to nurturing the next generation of boxing stars while navigating the complexities of two major markets. Let’s dive into his strategies, the challenges he faces, and why he believes both regions are crucial for the sport’s future.

Triumphs and Setbacks in Saudi Arabia

Ben Shalom’s journey in Saudi Arabia has been a mixed bag. While the country has become a hotspot for big boxing events, not every venture has gone according to plan. For instance, heavyweight contender Frazer Clarke faced a disappointing defeat against Fabio Wardley, and Ben Whittaker didn’t quite shine in his match against Liam Cameron. Additionally, Chris Billam-Smith lost his WBO title, showing just how unpredictable boxing can be.

On the flip side, Shalom has celebrated some significant victories in the Middle East. Fighters like Martin Bakole, who dominated Jared Anderson, and Joshua Buatsi, who triumphed over Willy Hutchinson, showcased their potential on Riyadh Season cards. Chris Eubank Jr.‘s impressive stoppage of Kamil Szeremeta also highlighted the exciting possibilities in this emerging boxing market. Shalom noted, “While big Riyadh shows are important, we can’t forget about the significance of big U.S. shows for developing the next generation of boxing talent.”

Fostering Homegrown Talent in the U.S.

While the Saudi market presents exciting opportunities, Shalom understands the critical need to cultivate talent back home. His stable includes promising fighters like Callum Simpson, Adam Azim, Caroline Dubois, Lauren Price, and Ben Whittaker. “We want to build our fighters into the next stars,” he said, emphasizing the importance of nurturing this younger talent.

Shalom is dedicated to hosting events that provide his fighters with valuable exposure. On December 14, he will promote a show in Liverpool featuring Natasha Jonas, followed by another event in Sheffield on January 12 headlined by Callum Simpson. These events are vital not only for showcasing talent but also for keeping the boxing scene vibrant in the U.S.

A Balanced Approach to Boxing Promotion

Shalom’s dual strategy in promoting boxing in both Saudi Arabia and the U.S. showcases his understanding of the sport’s global nature. He recognizes that while international shows can be thrilling, they shouldn’t overshadow the importance of homegrown talent. “It’s not always the right situation for every fighter,” he explained. “We want to ensure we’re building consistent U.S. shows with future headliners in the sport.”

This balanced outlook is essential as boxing continues to grow more competitive. Promoters need to address the demands of both international markets and the need for local opportunities for fighters. By focusing on both U.S. and Saudi events, Shalom aims to create a sustainable model that benefits everyone involved—from the fighters to the fans.