Conor Benn leaves Matchroom to sign with Zuffa Boxing as Eddie Hearn says he was 'devastated' by the decision

The latest development in British boxing sees conor benn parting ways with his decade-long promoter to sign with Dana White's Zuffa Boxing. The move has immediate consequences for relationships and future matchmaking: Eddie Hearn has described learning of the decision by email as a "dagger in the heart" and said he felt "devastated" by the split, while Benn has said he is excited for "legacy fights" and the biggest stages ahead.

Conor Benn signs with Zuffa Boxing: the deal and the stated ambitions

In announcing the move, conor benn framed the switch as an opportunity to chase the biggest nights and legacy bouts. The 29-year-old—who had been with his previous promoter since turning professional—expressed gratitude for the guidance and for headlining stadium shows under his former team. Benn said he is hungry for what comes next and signalled readiness to take on high-profile opponents as part of his new promotional arrangement.

Benn's recent history includes a high-profile rematch victory over long-time rival Chris Eubank Jr at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November, having lost the first meeting earlier in the year. His career also includes a period in which he twice tested positive for a banned substance in 2022 and was later cleared to fight in the country again; his promoter backed him through that suspension and subsequently promoted stadium events on his return.

Eddie Hearn response and what it means for long-term relationships

Eddie Hearn described the decision as a deep personal blow, saying he first learned of Benn's choice in an email from the fighter's lawyer. Hearn said he had reached out to request a call but that Benn refused, a response Hearn called an additional blow. He acknowledged that he felt he had made mistakes—saying he should have pushed Benn to sign a new contract—and reflected on the personal and financial support he had offered during the fighter's suspension and comeback.

Hearn has not ruled out possible future collaboration but made clear the split was painful and surprising to him. He said he had invested in Benn's career through hard backing at a time others did not, and that the decision to leave has forced a reappraisal of that relationship.

Immediate implications and the near-term fight picture

The move shifts conor benn into a new promotional landscape with promises of "legacy fights" and larger platforms. Benn has indicated he wants to pursue the biggest available matchups and has spoken of being ready to fight prominent contenders. He has also been identified as a mandatory challenger for the WBC title, a status that frames possible next opponents and timelines under his new arrangement.

• Partnership change: Benn leaves a decade-long promoter relationship and signs with Zuffa Boxing.
• Promoter reaction: Hearn learned of the move by email, sought a phone call that was refused, and described the moment as devastating.
• Career context: Benn headline stadium shows after a high-profile rematch win over Chris Eubank Jr and had previously been suspended before being cleared to return.

Where negotiations, scheduling and potential co-operation between the parties go from here remains to be seen. Recent statements indicate both sides have acknowledged the end of a long partnership and that Benn is positioning himself for larger-scale fights under his new promotional deal. Details on specific match dates, venues and opponents will depend on ongoing planning and confirmation from the teams involved.