Eddie Hearn 'Devastated' as Conor Benn Joins Zuffa Boxing in Shock Move
Promoter Eddie Hearn has confessed to being left devastated after British welterweight Conor Benn confirmed his departure from Matchroom Boxing to sign with Zuffa Boxing, a move that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world. The announcement marks Zuffa's second major signing following cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, with the new venture led by UFC boss Dana White and Saudi official Turki Alalshikh.
Hearn's Candid Reaction to Benn's Departure
In an emotional interview with iFL TV, Hearn revealed he had known about Benn's decision for several days after receiving an email from the boxer's lawyer. "I'm not going to sit here and hang Conor Benn out to dry," Hearn stated. "I'll be honest with you, me personally, pretty devastated." He admitted to blaming himself for the situation, saying he had misjudged Benn's character and forgotten the unpredictable nature of boxing.
Hearn reflected on the loyalty he believed Matchroom had shown Benn, particularly during challenging periods, and acknowledged he could have pushed for a new contract earlier. "I felt that the loyalty that we've shown would never ever put us in this position," he explained. "I blame myself, I made a mistake. I misjudged the character." This candid assessment highlights the personal blow felt by the promoter, who had previously hailed Benn as a role model after his victory over Chris Eubank Jr.
Benn's Gratitude and New Ambitions with Zuffa
In his announcement, Benn expressed deep gratitude to Hearn and the Matchroom team for their support over the past decade, from his professional debut to headline stadium shows. "They were not only with me for those highlight moments but stood shoulder to shoulder with me during the tough times," Benn wrote in a statement. However, he emphasized that the opportunity presented by Zuffa Boxing was simply too compelling to refuse.
Benn, who returned to action in April 2025 after more than a year out, suffered his first professional loss to Chris Eubank Jr. before bouncing back with a victory in their November rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. At 29, he now eyes bigger challenges, stating, "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." He also left the door open for Hearn to remain involved in his career, suggesting a potential evolved partnership.
Dana White's Vision for Boxing's Future
Dana White, leading Zuffa Boxing alongside Alalshikh, downplayed Hearn's influence in the sport, positioning himself as a visionary set to inject new energy. In pointed remarks, White criticized Hearn's approach, saying, "I don't think anybody looks at Eddie Hearn and says: 'Oh, this guy's a visionary.' The guy's been in boxing forever, I look at him like most politicians." He accused Hearn of becoming part of boxing's problems by adhering to traditional norms.
White contrasted this with Zuffa's ambitions, backed by Saudi investment, to revolutionize the sport. "You've done nothing in this sport except stay in the lane and play by all the rules," he said of Hearn. "Whereas we do have vision, and we're gonna change the entire sport." This rivalry sets the stage for a potential shift in boxing's promotional landscape, with Zuffa aiming to challenge established entities like Matchroom.
The move underscores the growing influence of Saudi Arabia in boxing, with Alalshikh playing a key role in the Gulf state's expanding presence. As Benn embarks on this new chapter, the boxing community watches closely to see how this high-profile transfer will impact future matchups and the sport's dynamics.
