Hearn “Devastated” as Benn Jumps Ship to Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing
Promotional powerhouse Eddie Hearn has expressed profound disappointment and a sense of betrayal following boxer Conor Benn’s decision to sign with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing. Hearn, who has guided Benn’s career for a decade, admitted he may have “misjudged the character” of the welterweight contender, who announced his move on Thursday.
The 29-year-old, son of boxing legend Nigel Benn, officially severed ties with Matchroom Boxing after a long-standing relationship. Benn, who harbours ambitions of capturing the WBC welterweight title, publicly thanked Hearn for his unwavering support during challenging periods, including controversies surrounding failed drug tests in 2022. He stated his excitement for a “new chapter” focused on securing “legacy fights” on the sport’s grandest stages.
However, Hearn, whose promotion nurtured Benn from his 2016 debut to headlining major events, did not mince words in his reaction. Speaking to iFL TV shortly after Benn’s bombshell announcement, the 46-year-old promoter revealed he was informed of the decision indirectly, via Benn’s lawyer, and was subsequently denied a direct conversation with the fighter.
“Me personally, pretty devastated,” Hearn stated, reflecting on his initial reaction. “I have had a few days to digest what might happen. It is not often you get shocked. I blame myself. I forgot it was boxing. I just felt the loyalty that we have shown would never ever put us in this position.”
Hearn elaborated on his feeling of being blindsided, suggesting he had “misjudged the character” of Benn. He believed the loyalty and support extended by Matchroom, including significant financial backing and standing by him through difficult times, would have been sufficient for a more open discussion.
“It feels a little bit of a wasted few years,” Hearn continued. “I gave a lot… 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. I just think the way it was done was very very wrong. But everyone is different. Some people, loyalty really matters, other people maybe not so. The way it played out to receive an email from the lawyer and then to ask for a call and not the willingness to have it, you just lose a bit of your soul to it.”
Benn, who most recently secured a rematch victory over Chris Eubank Jr in December, took to social media late Friday night to announce his departure. His statement included thanks to Hearn and Matchroom for their contributions to his career.
However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from Eubank Jr, who engaged in a public spat with Benn on X (formerly Twitter).
“So Eddie Hearns (sic) #1 fighter has now left him. Eddie stuck by Conor Benn through thick & thin, getting him off of drug charges & giving him money to live when he had nothing. I guess this really shows just how much of a scumbag Hearn actually is… he saves his fighters life & career & Conor still doesn’t want to be involved with him. Or is Benn the scumbag for dumping the man that built him? (thinking emoji). This really is a conundrum. Scumbag on scumbag violence at its finest… don’t say I didn’t tell you guys.”
Benn, in his own statement, described Zuffa Boxing as presenting him with “an opportunity I simply couldn’t refuse” and expressed a desire for Hearn to “continue to be a part of my team.”
Benn’s Ambitions with Zuffa Boxing
“I’m filled with excitement and hunger for what’s ahead with Zuffa Boxing,” Benn’s statement continued. “I want the legacy fights, the biggest nights, the biggest stages. I fear no man at any weight, and I’m ready to give the fans the fights they’ve been calling for. I’m in my prime, and together we have bold, ambitious plans.”
The announcement sent shockwaves through the boxing community, particularly given Matchroom’s steadfast support for Benn following his two failed drug tests in 2022. Their continued backing during that turbulent period was widely noted, and Benn eventually made his return to the ring in late 2024.
Financial and Strategic Implications of the Move
Against this backdrop, Benn’s decision to align with Zuffa, founded by UFC CEO Dana White, appears to be driven by both significant financial incentives and strategic career planning. Boxing insiders suggest the deal is highly lucrative, reportedly a one-fight agreement worth eight figures, which would position Benn as a free agent once more after his Zuffa debut.
This switch also places Benn squarely at the forefront of Zuffa’s nascent ambitions to attract top-tier talent and stage major promotional events. One potential target generating considerable interest is American star Ryan Garcia, whom Benn has publicly expressed a desire to fight for some time.
Garcia’s own promotional status remains a point of contention, with conflicting claims between himself and Golden Boy Promotions founder Oscar De La Hoya. Garcia has indicated his contract with Golden Boy is set to expire imminently, while De La Hoya maintains there are multiple bouts remaining on the agreement.
The ongoing public discourse surrounding Garcia’s contractual situation, coupled with Benn’s new deal with Zuffa, has fuelled speculation that a Benn-Garcia showdown could become one of Zuffa’s inaugural marquee matchups, provided Garcia’s contractual issues are resolved.
There are also reports that Zuffa is planning multiple events in London throughout 2026, potentially setting the stage for Benn and Garcia to headline a massive show. This aligns with Benn’s previous assertions that the pair could fill a stadium.
Furthermore, Benn is anticipated to be present ringside for Garcia’s upcoming bout against Mario Barrios. This presence could lead to promotional moments or a direct face-off, further amplifying anticipation for a potential transatlantic clash.
Dana White himself has lauded Benn’s signing, calling it a “huge addition” to his team.
“Conor Benn is an absolute beast and a superstar,” White stated in a press release. “He shows up every time and destroys people, and now some of the best fighters in the world are calling him out. He’s ready for a world title next and I can’t wait to see him compete in Zuffa Boxing. He’s going to be a huge addition to a growing stable of very talented boxers.”
