Barry Hearn has criticized Conor Benn for his departure from Matchroom Boxing to join Zuffa without even engaging in a discussion with Eddie Hearn. The 29-year-old officially announced the split and will now be managed by the Saudi-backed promoter led by UFC president Dana White.
Benn chose to part ways with the promoters who had supported him for a decade, including during a past failed drug test. Despite Eddie Hearn’s praise for Benn after his victory over Chris Eubank Jnr, Benn decided to pursue the opportunity presented by Zuffa.
Eddie Hearn attempted to reach out to Benn for a discussion about their working relationship but was met with no interest from Benn, causing disappointment and frustration for Hearn. Barry Hearn expressed his dismay, stating that the decision felt classless and disrespectful to the team that had supported Benn throughout his career.
Conor Benn is now the second prominent athlete to join Zuffa, following cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia. While Eddie Hearn had previously highlighted the potential opportunities for Benn, he will no longer be guiding his career.
Barry Hearn revealed that Conor Benn suggested involving lawyers when Eddie proposed a meeting to discuss the situation, a move that Hearn found disheartening given their long history together. Despite being the mandatory challenger for the WBC welterweight title, Benn defended his decision by stating that turning down the lucrative offer would have been irrational.
Hearn emphasized that he would have respected Benn’s decision if it had been communicated differently, highlighting the importance of professionalism in such matters.