Conor Benn leaves Eddie Hearn for Dana White's Zuffa Boxing, Hearn says he's 'devastated'

conor benn has ended his 10-year relationship with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing to sign with Dana White's Zuffa Boxing, a move Hearn described as "devastated" and "very painful". The 29-year-old, who turned professional in 2016, said he is seeking "legacy fights" and "the biggest stages. "

Conor Benn and Eddie Hearn: a sudden split

Eddie Hearn said he learned of the decision in an email from the fighter's lawyer, and called the break with a long-term protégé "very surprising". Hearn said he had trusted Benn and that he had "misjudged his character, " adding that he tried to call Benn after reading the email but was rebuffed. Hearn also said he "had some very choice words" with Benn's manager, Keith Connolly.

What Benn signed for and what he wants

conor benn announced he would join Zuffa Boxing to pursue what he called "legacy fights" and the "biggest nights". Benn, who beat long-time rival Chris Eubank Jr in a rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November after losing their first meeting in April, has won 24 of his 25 professional bouts and has said he is ready to fight the winner of Mario Barrios against Ryan Garcia.

Oscar De La Hoya's response and the money question

Oscar De La Hoya described Benn's move as "mind-boggling, " saying the switch from Hearn to White was hard to understand and questioning who would be paying an eight-figure purse that has been mentioned in coverage of the deal. De La Hoya said, "Eddie Hearn must be p***ed off, " and framed the signing as surprising given Hearn's long association with the Ilford-born fighter, who turned pro in 2016.

The split has immediate implications on the title picture Benn has referenced. He has been confirmed as the mandatory challenger for the WBC welterweight title, which is held by Mario Barrios; Barrios is due to defend that belt against Ryan Garcia on February 21. Benn has publicly said he wants the winner of that fight, making Barrios v Garcia the next confirmed event tied to Benn's stated ambitions.

Benn paid tribute to his former promoters in a written statement, thanking Eddie Hearn and the Matchroom team "for everything they've done for me over the past decade, " and saying they had stood with him through both "highlight moments" and "tough times. " He added that he was "filled with excitement and hunger for what's ahead with Zuffa Boxing" and insisted he was "in my prime" and willing to fight at any weight to deliver the matches fans want.

For now, the next scheduled milestone linked to Benn's new path is the Barrios v Garcia title defence on February 21; Benn has said he is prepared to face the winner. Matchroom and Zuffa Boxing have not announced a confirmed date for Benn's next fight.