Barry Hearn criticized Conor Benn for his abrupt departure from Matchroom to Zuffa Boxing without engaging with Eddie Hearn. The 29-year-old finalized the move on Friday, now under the management of Saudi-backed promoter led by UFC president Dana White.
Benn opted to leave the promoters who supported him for a decade, including during a previous drug test failure. Despite Eddie Hearn’s admiration for Benn after his victory over Chris Eubank Jnr, Benn chose Zuffa’s offer, ignoring Eddie Hearn’s attempts to discuss their collaboration.
Hearn expressed disappointment in Benn’s actions, emphasizing the loyalty and support Benn received from his previous team. Benn’s shift to Zuffa makes him the second prominent signee after Jai Opetaia. Eddie Hearn’s envisioned opportunities following Benn’s success against Eubank Jnr will now not materialize.
Barry Hearn revealed that Conor Benn declined to meet in person, preferring legal discussions via text. Benn, the WBC welterweight title mandatory challenger, defended his decision, stating the offer was too lucrative to refuse.
Hearn Sr. clarified that if Benn had handled the transition differently, there would have been no issues. He highlighted the lack of mutual standards in the situation.