Conor Benn has spoken out in length for the first time after it was revealed that he had signed a promotional deal with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.
The 29-year-old from London brought an end to his ten year partnership with Matchroom Boxing and Eddie Hearn in an announcement that sent shockwaves through the sport on Friday evening.
Benn had worked alongside Hearn since he entered the paid ranks back in 2016 but has now decided to go down a different route as he enters what could be a defining chapter in his professional boxing career.
‘The Destroyer’ made his final appearance under the Matchroom banner back in November when he defeated domestic rival Chris Eubank Jr via unanimous decision at the conclusion of their rematch at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
In the aftermath of the move, Hearn said he was hurt by the fact that he asked Benn for a phone conversation and was met with a no.
In an interview with Boxing King Media, Benn responded to this and said that it was a decision made in good faith, and that he did then engage after things had cooled down.
“I didn’t choose not to speak to him. I didn’t wanna go into the details of it and I think things were very heated with the teams and knowing how I am as an individual, would the call have been beneficial? Would the call have been great for us? And I personally don’t think it would have.
“But once the dust had settled and it had calmed down, I messaged Eddie saying “I love you mate” and you know, this ain’t the end of the road. You know, the journey does continue, but when things are heated I’ve said things in the moment from previous experience where, you know, you regret saying them. Why speak in the midst of hurt, ego, pride, anger. Nothing good comes from it, you know. So I both think we could have dealt with it better privately.”
Whilst an official announcement on Benn’s first outing with Zuffa is yet to be made, it has been reported that the Brit will make a return to action in either April or May as he sets his sights on securing himself a shot at a world title in 2026.
