Barry Hearn criticized the lack of respect shown by Conor Benn in his departure from Matchroom to Zuffa Boxing, bypassing any communication with Eddie Hearn. The 29-year-old officially announced the split and will now be under the management of 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, even during a past drug test failure. Despite Eddie Hearn’s praise for Benn following his victory over Chris Eubank Jnr, Benn opted for the opportunity presented by Zuffa, refusing to engage in discussions with Eddie Hearn, much to the dismay of Hearn Snr.
Expressing his disappointment, Barry Hearn revealed his surprise at Benn’s behavior, emphasizing the team’s loyalty and support. Benn’s move to Zuffa makes him the second prominent signing after cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia. Eddie Hearn’s envisioned opportunities post-Benn’s triumph over Eubank Jnr will now not come to fruition.
In response to Eddie’s proposal for a meeting, Benn suggested involving lawyers, a decision Barry Hearn found appalling given their longstanding relationship. Despite being the mandatory challenger for the WBC welterweight title, Benn justified his decision by stating that rejecting the lucrative offer would have been irrational.
Hearn Snr clarified that while they hold high standards, Benn’s actions did not meet their expectations. He expressed readiness for Benn to take a different direction if the process had been handled differently, highlighting the importance of reciprocity in their professional relationship.