British heavyweight Dave Allen has spoken out after it was announced that Conor Benn had left Eddie Hearn to sign for Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.
Benn has worked alongside Hearn and Matchroom since making his professional debut back in April of 2016, but the 29-year-old from London has decided to go down a different route as he enters the next chapter of his career.
‘The Destroyer’ was last in action back in November when he defeated bitter rival Chris Eubank Jr via unanimous decision at the conclusion of their thrilling second encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
Whilst the full details of Benn’s deal with Zuffa are yet to be revealed, it has been reported that the Brit has signed just a one-fight contract with the newly-established organization that is headed up by UFC President Dana White.
Speaking on his Youtube channel, Dave Allen claimed that whilst he believes Benn has been quite disloyal after deciding to depart Matchroom, he says that he does not blame ‘The Destroyer’ for making the best decision for himself and his young family.
“Just a little short on Conor Benn leaving Matchroom Boxing, joining Zuffa Boxing. Leaving Matchroom Boxing’s probably the biggest talking point. Eddie obviously took a lot of stick over the last few years, standing by him, getting him through it. If you want loyalty, it’s very hard to find. I’m not gonna use the old get a dog saying, it;s been done a million times.
“Look, loyalty is a two-way street as well. But on the outside looking in, he looks like Eddie couldn’t do anymore for him. But I don’t know. Don’t know enough. And he’s got a young family Conor Benn, and if he feels like going with Zuffa Boxing is going to make their life better and, you know, generational wealth, who are we to tell him not to? We’re not in his shoes so we. I’ve never had to make that decision but I wish everyone involved all the best. I am now the face of Matchroom Boxing. Thank you everyone.”
Benn is likely to make his first appearance under the Zuffa Boxing banner in either April or May, although it remains to be seen exactly who the 29-year-old will be facing as he enters a defining chapter in his tenure.
