Eddie Hearn says he is “shocked” after Conor Benn made the “very painful” decision to leave Matchroom Boxing and join Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing Promotions.
The 29-year-old has been with Matchroom since turning pro and defeated long-term rival Chris Eubank Jr in a sensational rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November, having lost his opening match in April.
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Hearn, who was informed of Benn’s decision via an email from his British lawyer, said he made a “mistake” in trusting Benn because he “misjudged his character”.
“I’m not going to sit here and hang Conor Benn out to dry, but personally I’m very frustrated,” Hearn told iFL TV.
“It took me a few days to digest what might have happened. Maybe this interview was different from the one a few days ago.
“I rarely get shocked. I blame myself because I forget this is boxing.”
Hearn said that after reading the email, he messaged Ben and asked the two to speak on the phone, but Ben declined.
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“I just feel like the loyalty we showed would never have put us in the position we’re in now,” Hearn continued.
“I just felt like I never really had to push Connor Benn to sign a new contract before – and I probably could have gotten him to sign a new contract before.
“I just feel like … everything we’ve given him, the loyalty we’ve given him, the support we’ve given him is enough to talk it out and get close to a number. But there’s no real interest.
“Very surprising. Very painful. But it’s just another moment in your life where you live and learn.”
Hearn was hesitant when asked if he could work with Ben again in the future. “He texted me right after the news came out and I responded,” Hearn said. “We had some back and forth.”
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He also revealed that he had “some very critical things to say” to Benn’s agent Keith Connolly.
Conor Benn celebrates with Eddie Hearn after defeating Chris Eubank Jr in November [Getty Images]
In a statement on Instagram, Benn said he was “excited and eager for the future of Zuffa Boxing” while paying tribute to his former sponsor.
“First of all, I’d like to thank Eddie and the whole team at Matchroom for everything they’ve done for me over the past decade,” wrote Ben, son of former two-division world champion Nigel.
“From mentoring me when I first turned pro to headlining stadium shows. Not only have they been there for me in my brightest moments, but they’ve been by my side in my tougher moments.”
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Benn and Eubank Jr. were originally scheduled to fight in 2022, but the fight was canceled after Benn failed a voluntary drug test – twice testing positive for the banned drug clomiphene.
This sparked a two-year battle with authorities until Ben’s suspension was lifted in November 2024.
“I want the legacy fight, the biggest night”
Benn won 24 of 25 professional fights, with his only loss coming to Eubank – whose father, Chris Sr, fought Nigel Benn twice in the early 1990s.
Conor Benn is set to challenge for the world title after defeating Eubank Jr in November.
Zuffa Boxing, backed by financial support from UFC president White and Saudi Arabia, held its first event in January and vowed to transform professional boxing.
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White’s ultimate goal is to sideline the four traditional sanctioning bodies – the WBO, WBC, IBF and WBA – and allow Zuffa’s belt to become the premier world title alongside Ring Magazine, an organization owned by Saudi boxing power broker Turki Alalshikh.
“Connor Benn is an absolute beast and a superstar,” White said. “He shows up every time and destroys people, and now some of the best fighters in the world are calling him.
“He is ready for his next world title shot and I can’t wait to see him fight in Zuffa. He will be a great addition to a growing roster of talented boxers.”
Ben said he hoped Hearn would still be involved in future fights, adding: “I want the traditional fights, the biggest nights, the biggest stages. I’m not afraid of anyone at any weight and I’m ready to give the fans the fights they’ve been calling for.”
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Analysis: A move that shocked the boxing world
Ben won by unanimous points in his second match against Eubank Jr. [Getty Images]
Absolutely no one in boxing has this on a bingo card. There weren’t any whispers, rumors or cryptic social media hints.
Usually, when a fighter jumps ship, the outgoing promoter starts with a statement or some kind of warning – but not this time.
White has made no secret of his desire to disrupt boxing’s power structure, and signing Ben – a fighter with real mainstream appeal, albeit one who still has doubters – is the signing of a statement.
Hearn has been a staunch supporter of Benn throughout the doping saga and actively guided him in his quest for a world title. Ben, the mandatory challenger to the winner of Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia, has made no secret of his ambition to become a world champion.
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So what does this mean for these plans? Zuffa recently signed reigning lightweight world champion Jai Opetaia, but the long-term vision is one belt, one Zuffa title and no reliance on traditional sanctioning bodies.
If this is the direction, what does Ben do now? Is he aiming to become the first Zuffa welterweight champion?
Over the past week, White has denied Hearn’s credentials and quipped that he works for his father, Barry, prompting the younger Hearn to retort that White’s boss is Arashih.
From a purely PR perspective, this is a major win for White. This long-simmering promotional competition is intensifying.
