Regis Prograis and the Benn move to Zuffa ignite a heated split in British boxing
Conor Benn has signed with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, a switch that has produced blunt reactions from boxing figures and reconfigured immediate plans for his next bout — regis prograis.
The 29-year-old left his decade-long relationship with Matchroom Boxing to sign with White’s promotional company in what observers described as a reportedly rich, one-fight deal. The move follows Benn’s November rematch victory over Chris Eubank Jr, when 'The Destroyer' continued his resurgence after being cleared by UK Anti-Doping following failed drug tests in 2022.
Johnny Nelson: 'It's show business' and a business move
Johnny Nelson said the decision will "really hurt" promoter Eddie Hearn but called it a clear business move. Nelson noted that Benn and Anthony Joshua had been fighters with whom Hearn had a more personal relationship and added that Benn has done what many fighters should do: take care of himself.
Nelson relayed that Hearn had messaged Benn to suggest a conversation, and that Benn declined. He quoted Benn as saying, "I'm doing it for my family. I'm taking care of me. " Nelson also pointed to the financial scale of the offer, saying Benn had been offered $15m for his next fight and that the deal could secure Benn at a higher level — or at least leave him "sorted. "
Chael Sonnen’s warning to Eddie Hearn
Former UFC star Chael Sonnen criticised Hearn’s public reaction and warned the promoter that he had made a mistake. Sonnen, who worked under Dana White during his UFC career, said Hearn had done "the one thing that you can't do" by suggesting White had a boss and used a blunt phrase to describe Hearn’s error.
Sonnen said Dana White sought resistance when pursuing top fighters, recalling how White reacted when Oscar De la Hoya engaged in negotiations. Sonnen argued White expected a tougher battle to sign a marquee name and that, in this instance, Zuffa secured Benn’s signed paperwork quickly. He finished by saying, "Dana White does not have a boss. "
Regis Prograis and the wider reaction
The swap ends Benn’s career-long association with Matchroom and comes after the rematch that many saw as setting up a blockbuster path. Hearn, described as a 46-year-old figure in the drama, expressed devastation at the loss of one of his highest-rated fighters. The split also included a public spat of jibes between White and Hearn in the days before the signing.
What Benn leaves behind and what’s next
Benn’s exit follows ten years with his previous promoter and arrives after his reinstatement by UK Anti-Doping post-2022 failed tests. Observers highlighted the offer reportedly carrying a $15m price-tag and framed Benn’s move as securing legacy fights and "the biggest stages. " His next fight will take place under the Zuffa Boxing umbrella, which is led by Dana White alongside Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority.
Coverage of the dispute also included promotional notes: viewers were advised to use Chrome for a more accessible video player and were reminded of an upcoming slate of boxing events, including Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper and Ellie Scotney’s undisputed title fight scheduled for April 5; coverage suggested following updates WhatsApp, streaming through NOW and the Toe2Toe podcast for further discussion.
Observers and participants continue to weigh the commercial calculus: one view held that Benn secured a rare payday and a platform for legacy fights, while critics said the public back-and-forth between promoters was damaging. The immediate confirmed next event is Benn’s next fight under Zuffa Boxing and the scheduled April 5 title fights promoted in the recent coverage.
