Eddie Hearn has described Conor Benn’s departure from Matchroom to Zuffa Boxing as ‘devastating’ and warned about Dana White’s therapy of fighters
Eddie Hearn has issued a stark warning to Conor Benn following his surprising exit from Matchroom to signal with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing. The revelation despatched shockwaves by means of the boxing group, with Benn changing into the newest addition to Zuffa alongside cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia.
Benn made his return to motion in April 2025 after greater than 12 months away, dealing with Chris Eubank Jnr and experiencing the primary defeat of his skilled profession. The 29-year-old responded emphatically with a commanding efficiency of their rematch on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November.
Matchroom had backed Benn for a decade, with Hearn and the promotion remaining loyal to the British fighter all through a two-year doping controversy. Experiences counsel that Zuffa Boxing’s settlement with Benn covers only one bout, but it stays an eight-figure contract.
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Responding to information of Benn’s departure from Matchroom, Hearn confessed he discovered it “fairly devastating”. Talking on BBC 5 Stay’s Boxing with Steve Bunce podcast, the 46-year-old declared his readiness to compete with White within the boxing enviornment.
“I’ve not spoken to him [White] for a few weeks; I had a few texts with him,” he mentioned. “It may be a protracted, exhausting battle. However I am additionally privileged and honoured that it appears to be a battle between me and him. And I am properly up for it. I believe it is a blessing to be in these form of battles.”
Conor Benn received the rematch towards Chris Eubank Jr in November (Picture: Getty)
Hearn proceeded to characterise Benn’s departure as “painful”, however maintained the boxer will not discover perfection along with his new promoters. “Take a look at what they did to [UFC heavyweight champion] Tom Aspinall,” he continued.
“Tom Aspinall actually had his eye gouged out in a struggle and Dana White mainly referred to as him a cry child and solid him apart, humiliated him in entrance of all people, while the man is having operations to avoid wasting his eyesight.
“Dana White would not do what I did for Conor Benn. However we’re completely different individuals, and we have now a unique ardour for the game. You are a pawn within the sport for those who’re Conor Benn, aren’t you? We’re completely different organisations.
“I’ve mentioned it earlier than: these guys are very, very highly effective, ruthless individuals. They do not care in regards to the sport of boxing. For my part, they do not care in regards to the fighters – it is only a enterprise to them.”
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