Eddie Hearn fires back at Conor Benn’s Zuffa Boxing deal

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn says his relationship with Conor Benn is now beyond repair after the welterweight signed a five-fight extension with Zuffa Boxing.

Benn agreed to a two-and-a-half-year deal worth multiple fights through 2028, as Bad Left Hook reported Thursday, after his initial one-fight contract with Dana White fetched him $15 million for an underwhelming performance against Regis Prograis. Hearn, who previously promoted Benn under Matchroom, did not hide his displeasure when asked about the move. “Yeah, some people aren’t as smart as they think,” Hearn said, per Bad Left Hook. “I can’t really comment on it too much at the moment, it’s an ongoing issue.”

Hearn says dishonesty ‘beaming throughout’ Benn situation

Hearn went further when pressed on whether the split with Benn could be mended. “Yes. Without doubt,” he said. “Listen, I wish him all the best but when you think someone was someone and they show you they’re really not, it makes you question everything they’ve told you throughout the whole time.” He added that he is learning more details as time passes but declined to elaborate.

Benn told ESPN during the announcement that he still plans to pursue his WBC mandatory shot at welterweight. “We’re going to try to make the WBC world title. I’m mandatory for that shot, I’ve worked hard to get to that shot,” Benn said. White confirmed Zuffa Boxing has already staged more fights in its first year than all other major promoters combined, though Benn’s pursuit of a sanctioning body title suggests Zuffa has not fully abandoned the existing championship structure.

Hearn’s comments hint at unfinished business between the two camps, though he stopped short of detailing what legal or contractual issues remain. Benn is expected to fight again under the Zuffa banner later this year.

Photo by Nereid Ndreu on Unsplash

Original reporting:

• badlefthook.com — Eddie Hearn reacts to Conor Benn’s new deal with Zuffa Boxing | Bad Left Hook
• badlefthook.com — Conor Benn signs five-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing | Bad Left Hook