Eddie Hearn devastated by Conor Benn’s departure to Zuffa Boxing
Eddie Hearn has expressed profound disappointment following Conor Benn’s unexpected decision to leave Matchroom Boxing for Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing venture, reports BritPanorama.
The 46-year-old promoter, speaking to iFL TV after the bombshell news broke, admitted he may have fundamentally misread the fighter he had supported for 10 years. “Me personally, pretty devastated. I have had a few days to digest what might happen. It is not often you get shocked,” Hearn said.
Hearn reflected on the extensive support Matchroom provided throughout Benn’s career, including financial assistance during difficult periods. He added, “I believed him and I backed him and I never gave in when he was done, out. Loaned him hundreds of thousands of pounds, but yeah on we go.”
Benn, the 29-year-old son of British boxing icon Nigel Benn, made his shock announcement on Thursday, bringing an end to a partnership that began with his professional debut in 2016. The welterweight contender, who harbours ambitions of capturing the WBC title, expressed gratitude towards his former promoter whilst explaining his reasoning for the switch.
Benn declared in his statement, “I’m filled with excitement and hunger for what’s ahead with Zuffa Boxing.” He described the offer from White’s organisation as “an opportunity I simply couldn’t refuse” and indicated he hoped Hearn might still play some role in his future endeavours.
The agreement with Zuffa is understood to be a single-fight contract reportedly valued in eight figures, which would leave Benn free to negotiate again after his debut under the new banner. UFC chief executive White hailed the acquisition as significant for his boxing venture, commenting, “Conor Benn is an absolute beast and a superstar. He shows up every time and destroys people, and now some of the best fighters in the world are calling him out.”
A potential clash with American star Ryan Garcia has emerged as a tantalising prospect, with Benn having long pursued the matchup. Zuffa is reportedly planning several London events throughout 2026, and Benn has previously suggested the pair could fill a stadium together. The British fighter is expected to attend Garcia’s upcoming bout against Mario Barrios.
Chris Eubank Jr, who defeated Benn in their first encounter last April before losing the December rematch, weighed in with a caustic assessment on social media. Eubank Jr wrote on X, “Eddie stuck by Conor Benn through thick & thin, getting him off of drug charges & giving him money to live when he had nothing.”
Hearn expressed particular frustration at how the departure was handled, revealing he received notification via email from Benn’s lawyer and was subsequently denied a telephone conversation with the fighter himself. “I just think the way it was done was very, very wrong,” he said, reflecting on the abrupt end to what he had valued as a supportive relationship.
In the volatile world of boxing, the transition from Matchroom to Zuffa marks a significant moment not only for Benn but for the broader landscape of the sport. As new alliances form and legacies are tested, the anticipation builds for what his next chapter will bring.
