Conor Benn Makes Emotional Appeal to Eddie Hearn Following Promotional Switch
Conor Benn has issued an emotional public plea to former promoter Eddie Hearn, expressing his desire to mend their relationship after a shock departure from Matchroom Boxing earlier this year. The 29-year-old welterweight fighter stunned the boxing world in February by leaving Hearn's long-standing promotional company to join Zuffa Boxing, a new venture led by UFC president Dana White.
A Surprise Move to Rival Promotion
The switch represents a significant shift in the boxing landscape, with Benn abandoning the promotional home that had supported his career for years. Zuffa Boxing, headed by Dana White who has publicly criticized Hearn on multiple occasions, represents direct competition to Matchroom in the increasingly crowded boxing promotion market.
Hearn, 46, has openly admitted to feeling hurt by Benn's decision and has been notably reserved when discussing potential future collaborations with the fighter. The promoter's response suggests deeper personal disappointment beyond mere business considerations.
Benn's Public Reconciliation Attempt
During an appearance on The Overlap podcast with former footballer Gary Neville, Benn made his feelings clear about the situation. "It's more of an ego thing," Benn explained. "Of course they understand, I know Eddie. I didn't tell Eddie [about the Zuffa deal in advance but] we spoke, I sent him a nice, long message."
The fighter revealed he had reached out to Hearn directly, suggesting they reconnect once the initial controversy subsided. "'Let's catch up when the dust has settled, once this has all been sorted out,'" Benn recounted telling Hearn. "I didn't know the outcome then – whether it would be Matchroom or not. We'll speak when this is done, I want to speak to him. Outside of business, we're friends."
Benn acknowledged the public nature of their split has complicated matters, stating: "This is so public, it can hurt people's egos. That's it."
Financial Considerations and Future Flexibility
The British boxer provided surprising insight into the financial aspects of his move, revealing that Zuffa's offer was substantially lower than what he had earned and could potentially earn with Matchroom. "It's drastic," Benn said of the financial difference. "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. It is not even close."
Benn emphasized the short-term nature of his Zuffa arrangement, describing it as a "one-fight deal" that leaves him as a free agent afterward. This flexibility would allow him to potentially return to Matchroom, remain with Zuffa, or even promote himself independently. "The big noise was worth the one-fight deal," he explained, suggesting the publicity surrounding the move justified the financial sacrifice.
Personal Reflections and Upcoming Fight
The fighter reflected on difficult periods in his career, revealing personal challenges he faced without external support. "It all fell on me, nobody paid my legal bills, he didn't lend me a cent. I paid the legal bills myself," Benn shared. "Nobody called up to see if I had food on the table, I had to do that myself. Nobody will defend you when you're done and gone. That three years taught me what I know now."
Benn's next bout will take place on April 11th as part of the undercard for Tyson Fury versus Arslanbek Makhmudov. In a surprising matchup, he will face American veteran Regis Prograis at a 150-pound catchweight. The event will stream live on Netflix rather than Zuffa's primary broadcaster Paramount+, adding another unconventional element to Benn's new promotional arrangement.
The fight represents a weight adjustment for both competitors, with Prograis moving up from 147 pounds while Benn drops down from the 160-pound division where he fought his memorable two-bout series against Chris Eubank Jr. in 2025. Benn lost their first encounter by decision in April before securing a dramatic rematch victory in November after dropping Eubank Jr.
Despite the professional separation and public drama, Benn remains hopeful about restoring his personal relationship with Hearn, emphasizing that their connection extends beyond business dealings. The situation continues to develop as both parties navigate the complex intersection of professional boxing, personal relationships, and promotional politics.
