Conor Benn Reveals 'Drastic' Zuffa Boxing Offer That Sealed Matchroom Exit
British welterweight contender Conor Benn has openly discussed the significant financial incentives that convinced him to depart from Matchroom Boxing and align with Dana White's burgeoning Zuffa Boxing promotion. Benn is scheduled to face former world champion Regis Prograis on the undercard of the Tyson Fury versus Makhmudov event, marking his inaugural bout since the high-profile promotional switch.
Substantial Financial Disparity Forces Decision
In a candid interview on The Overlap with Gary Neville, Benn emphasised that the difference in monetary offers between Zuffa and Matchroom was not marginal but "drastic." He clarified that the gap was so substantial it eliminated any hesitation regarding his future trajectory. "Yes, it's drastic," Benn stated. "It's money where you go, if you're a couple million out, yeah, alright, we'll sort something out. But it's not that."
The fighter elaborated that the financial proposition from Zuffa was incomparable, highlighting that personal circumstances and past experiences heavily influenced his choice. Benn reflected on a challenging three-year period, during which he felt unsupported, stating he covered all legal expenses independently and managed his own welfare without external assistance.
Ego and Public Feud Complicate Split
Benn acknowledged that ego played a pivotal role in the acrimonious fallout with Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, which has escalated into a public dispute between Hearn and Dana White. Despite the professional rift, Benn expressed a desire to reconcile personally with Hearn once tensions subside. "It's more of an ego thing, of course, they understand, I know Eddie," Benn added. "I sent him a nice long message, let's catch up when the dust has settled."
He stressed that outside of business dealings, they maintain a friendship, but the public nature of the split has inevitably bruised egos. Benn's comments underscore the complex interplay between financial incentives and personal relationships in the high-stakes world of boxing promotion.
Flexible Future and Short-Term Commitment
Interestingly, Benn revealed that his commitment to Zuffa Boxing is currently limited to a single fight agreement, after which he will become a free agent. This arrangement provides him with considerable flexibility for his career moving forward. "[It is a] one fight deal, after that I'm a free agent," Benn emphasised. "I could do my own, I could go to Matchroom, stay with Zuffa, it's a short-sighted approach. The big noise was worth the one-fight deal."
He hinted at a potential return to Matchroom or DAZN in the future, noting that while they might approach him again, his decision will be guided by the lessons learned from his past experiences. Benn concluded by affirming he holds no ill will, stating, "I had nothing bad to say."
This revelation sheds light on the evolving dynamics within boxing promotion, where financial offers and strategic short-term deals are increasingly influencing fighter movements and career decisions.
