Conor Benn's Family-First Decision Behind Matchroom Departure
British welterweight boxer Conor Benn has publicly disclosed the pivotal moment that led him to consider abandoning Eddie Hearn's Matchroom promotion, ultimately resulting in his shocking defection to UFC president Dana White's new venture, Zuffa Boxing. The 29-year-old fighter made this dramatic career move in February, signing a lucrative one-fight deal reportedly worth $15 million with the emerging boxing promoter.
The Flight Incident That Sparked Defection
Benn revealed that Matchroom's refusal to cover business class flights for his father, former world champion Nigel Benn, served as a stark reminder of boxing's transient nature and prompted his eventual departure. "When they don't want to cover my dad's business class flights over, you're reminded that you have a time span," Benn told talkSPORT. "When you're done, nobody cares. When I'm done, nobody's going to care."
The boxer emphasized that this incident crystallized his need to prioritize financial security for his family's future. "Make hay while the sun's shining. Take the best deal for me that feels right for me and my family, and it was the best deal by a country mile," Benn stated, explaining why he chose Zuffa's offer over continuing with Matchroom.
Breaking Ties with Longtime Promoter
Benn's departure from Matchroom was particularly surprising given his entire professional career had been spent with Hearn's company. The promotion had stood by the fighter during a challenging period from 2022 to 2025 when Benn failed two drug tests and was unable to compete on British soil.
Despite this history, Benn expressed no sentiment of owing Matchroom anything beyond what he had already delivered. "I don't feel like I owe anybody anything. I owe my family," he asserted. "I owe my son a good life. I owe my son a blessed life. I owe my opening doors for my son that no one else can open."
Hearn had previously expressed disappointment about not receiving direct communication from Benn before learning about the switch through other channels.
Family Legacy as Driving Motivation
The boxer, nicknamed "The Destroyer," repeatedly emphasized family considerations as his primary motivation. He pointed to his father's career as a cautionary example, noting how few people support retired fighters financially. "Who checks for my dad now? Who pays for my dad's bills now?" Benn questioned, highlighting the temporary nature of boxing fame.
"I'm a hot topic right now. I'm not always going to be, because when I'm settling down, I'm settling off into the sunset and you won't ever see me ever again," Benn added, suggesting his retirement from the sport might not be far away.
Current Career Trajectory and Future Prospects
Benn's return to boxing following his suspension came against Chris Eubank Jr last April, resulting in his first professional defeat. The natural welterweight fought Eubank twice at middleweight, winning their November rematch by decision in both lengthy contests.
The British fighter is now preparing to face former world champion Regis Prograis on April 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, serving as the co-main event alongside Tyson Fury versus Arslanbek Makhmudov. Prograis has lost two of his last three bouts, presenting a significant opportunity for Benn to reestablish himself in the welterweight division.
Regarding his future with Zuffa Boxing, Benn indicated flexibility beyond his current single-fight commitment. "The Zuffa one fight deal is this next fight and then we'll see what doors open," he explained. "But ultimately, I'm in a very strong position, provided I get the win 11 April. And we'll see what doors open."
Benn maintains that he still values Hearn's involvement in his career but believes he made the correct business decision for his family's long-term security by joining Dana White's boxing venture.
