Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn expressed surprise after Conor Benn’s sudden departure from Matchroom to sign with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, warning the British fighter of a tough road ahead. Benn’s move, announced in early 2025, has sent shockwaves through the sport as he joins forces with cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia under the Zuffa banner.
Conor Benn’s Career Highlights and Recent Performances
After more than a year away from competition, Conor Benn returned to the ring in April 2025 to face Chris Eubank Jr., marking the first professional loss of his career. The 29-year-old responded impressively with a commanding win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November, demonstrating resilience and determination. Benn had been with Matchroom for a decade, a partnership that persisted through a challenging two-year doping controversy.
Details of Benn’s Deal and Eddie Hearn’s Response
Reports suggest that Benn’s contract with Zuffa Boxing covers just one fight but carries a substantial eight-figure financial value. Despite the lucrative deal, Hearn described Benn’s departure as painfully disappointing and issued a stern caution. Speaking on BBC 5 Live’s Boxing with Steve Bunce podcast, Hearn acknowledged the challenge ahead and the brewing rivalry with Dana White.
“I’ve not spoken to him [White] for a couple of weeks; I had a couple of texts with him,”
Hearn stated.
“It’s going to be a long, hard battle. But I’m also privileged and honoured that it seems to be a battle between me and him. And I’m well up for it. I think it’s a blessing to be in those kind of battles.”
– Eddie Hearn, Boxing Promoter
Hearn’s Warning Draws on Tom Aspinall’s UFC Experience
Hearn underscored that Conor Benn’s new environment will not be without pitfalls, drawing a parallel to UFC heavyweight Tom Aspinall‘s difficult experience under Dana White’s leadership. Aspinall endured a severe eye injury during a fight, after which White reportedly dismissed him harshly, calling him a “cry baby” and undermining his recovery effort. Hearn used this as an example to highlight the ruthless nature of the UFC’s management.
“Look at what they did to [UFC heavyweight champion] Tom Aspinall,”
Hearn commented, continuing,
“Tom Aspinall literally had his eye gouged out in a fight and Dana White basically called him a cry baby and cast him aside, humiliated him in front of everybody, while the guy is having operations to save his eyesight.
“Dana White wouldn’t do what I did for Conor Benn. But we’re different people, and we have a different passion for the sport. You’re a pawn in the game if you’re Conor Benn, aren’t you? We’re different organisations.”
“I’ve said it before: these guys are very, very powerful, ruthless people. They don’t care about the sport of boxing. In my opinion, they don’t care about the fighters – it’s just a business to them.”
– Eddie Hearn, Boxing Promoter
Implications for Conor Benn and the Boxing Landscape
Conor Benn’s switch from Matchroom to Zuffa Boxing signals a significant shift in his career and a broader contest between traditional boxing promoters and the emerging influence of Dana White’s organization. Hearn’s warnings emphasize the potential risks for fighters prioritizing lucrative short-term deals over long-term support and care. As both camps prepare for what promises to be a fierce rivalry, Benn’s future matches and career trajectory will be closely watched by fans and insiders alike.
This development also highlights the ongoing tension within combat sports between different management models and promoter approaches, impacting athletes’ welfare and career sustainability. How Conor Benn navigates these challenges may define not only his own path but also influence the broader dynamics of boxing’s evolving business landscape.
