Conor Benn leaves Matchroom for Zuffa Boxing, Eddie Hearn says he was 'devastated'
conor benn has ended a 10-year partnership with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing to sign with Dana White's Zuffa Boxing, saying he wants "legacy fights" and the "biggest stages". The split has prompted a raw reaction from Hearn, who said he learned of the move by email and called Benn's decision "very painful. "
Eddie Hearn says he discovered the move in an email
Eddie Hearn said he found out about the change in representation when he received an email from Benn's lawyer and that Benn refused a phone call to discuss the decision. Hearn told iFL TV he was "devastated, " that he had "misjudged his character, " and that the split left him surprised after a decade of working together. Hearn also said he had lent Benn "hundreds of thousands of pounds" during the two-year suspension that followed a positive test in 2022; Benn was later cleared to fight in the UK in 2024.
Conor Benn signs with Zuffa Boxing, vows to chase big fights
Benn, 29, announced the deal with Zuffa Boxing and paid tribute to Matchroom and Hearn for guiding him from the start of his pro career. He highlighted headlining stadium shows and thanked the team for standing with him "during the tough times. " In his statement he said he was "filled with excitement and hunger for what's ahead with Zuffa Boxing" and that he wants "legacy fights, the biggest nights, the biggest stages. "
The move follows a year in which Benn beat long-time rival Chris Eubank Jr in a blockbuster rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November, after losing their first fight in April. Benn has won 24 of his 25 professional bouts, and Sky Sports noted he has been confirmed as the mandatory challenger for the WBC welterweight title.
Immediate fallout and the next potential opponent
Hearn said he has exchanged messages with Benn since the announcement and that he had "some very choice words" with Benn's manager, Keith Connolly. Hearn declined to rule out working with Benn again in the future but described the departure as a painful lesson in trust.
Benn made clear he wants high-profile opponents and said he is ready to fight the winner of Mario Barrios against Ryan Garcia. That Barrios–Garcia fight is scheduled for February 21 in Las Vegas; Barrios currently holds the WBC welterweight title and will first defend it on that date.
The next confirmed milestone on Benn's path is tied to the Barrios–Garcia title defence on February 21 in Las Vegas, which will determine the opponent he said he is prepared to meet as he begins his run with Zuffa Boxing.
