Regis Prograis: Conor Benn’s switch to Zuffa Boxing deepens row between Dana White and Eddie Hearn
Conor Benn has signed with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, ending a 10‑year relationship with Matchroom Boxing and prompting fresh tensions among high‑profile figures in the sport. The move matters now because it comes with a reportedly lucrative, one‑fight package and has produced public rebukes that could reshape promoter relationships ahead of Benn’s next bout.
Conor Benn signs with Zuffa Boxing
Conor Benn, 29, left Matchroom Boxing after being promoted by Eddie Hearn’s organisation since turning professional. He has agreed to join Zuffa Boxing, the promotional arm led by Dana White, in what has been described as a reportedly lucrative one‑fight deal. Benn has said he wants “legacy fights” and “the biggest stages. ”
Eddie Hearn expresses devastation over Benn exit
Eddie Hearn, 46, has publicly expressed devastation at Benn’s departure from one of his highest‑rated fighters. The split follows Benn’s resurgence in November when he defeated Chris Eubank Jr in their rematch, a run that resumed after Benn was cleared by UK Anti‑Doping to return to the ring following failed drug tests in 2022.
Johnny Nelson frames deal as a business move and cites $15m offer
Sky Sports expert Johnny Nelson characterized Benn’s decision as “show business” and a business move that will “really hurt” Hearn. Nelson highlighted an immediate financial incentive, saying Benn had been offered $15m for his next fight and underlining Benn’s stated motive to take care of his family. Nelson added that Benn refused an approach from Hearn to discuss the move, noting that Hearn had sent a message proposing a conversation and Benn declined.
Chael Sonnen warns Eddie Hearn over comments about Dana White
Former UFC star Chael Sonnen warned Hearn that he “f***** up” by publicly suggesting Dana White answers to someone else. Sonnen, who said he worked under White for 19 years, argued that White does not respond well to being described as having a boss and labeled Hearn’s remark a “big mistake. ” Sonnen framed the episode as a point for Dana White, saying that Benn carried a $15m price‑tag because another promoter wanted him and that fiduciary duties had driven the deal.
Zuffa Boxing, Dana White and Turki Alalshikh’s role
Zuffa Boxing is overseen by Dana White and has ties to Turki Alalshikh, who is named in relation to the new promotion’s leadership. Sonnen noted White’s hunger for high‑profile signings, saying White had expected resistance when pursuing top names but found the Benn recruitment straightforward. That ease of sign‑up and the public spat that followed have contributed to an escalated promoter rivalry.
Regis Prograis appears in wider discussion amid fallout
The fallout from Benn’s move has prompted discussion about the marketplace for leading fighters, with observers invoking other names in the boxing ecosystem, including regis prograis, when considering how bidding and promoter battles play out. What makes this notable is that a single one‑fight offer can disrupt long‑standing promotional ties and trigger high‑profile public confrontations.
The sequence of events is clear: Benn’s November victory over Chris Eubank Jr re‑established his profile; UK Anti‑Doping cleared him following failed tests in 2022, enabling that resurgence; and a reported $15m offer from Zuffa Boxing has now taken him away from Matchroom after a decade. The tangible effect has been Hearn’s public devastation, Nelson’s assessment that Benn acted sensibly for his career and finances, and Sonnen’s warning that Hearn misjudged how to engage with White.
Beyond personalities, this episode highlights shifting leverage in boxing’s commercial landscape. Promoters and fighters must weigh short‑term financial guarantees against long‑term promoter relationships, and the Benn case makes the tradeoffs highly visible.
Unclear in the provided context: the precise date and opponent for Benn’s next fight under Zuffa Boxing. Those details have not been disclosed in the material available here.
