In a surprising turn of events, Conor Benn has opened up about his decision to decline a phone call from Eddie Hearn, his long-time promoter, following his recent move to Zuffa Boxing. The 29-year-old pugilist made a dramatic switch from Matchroom, where he had been promoted since his professional debut, to Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing on Friday. This move has left many in the boxing world intrigued and seeking answers.
Benn, known as the ‘Destroyer’ in the ring, revealed that he did not see the benefit in discussing the details of his decision with Hearn. “I didn’t choose not to speak to him,” Benn stated. “I just didn’t want to go into the details with him. Given the heated atmosphere between the teams and knowing my own temperament, I didn’t think the call would have been beneficial for either of us.” Benn’s new deal with Zuffa Boxing is reportedly worth a staggering $15 million for a single fight, a significant step up in his career.
Despite the professional split, Benn maintains a personal respect for Hearn. “Once the dust had settled and things had calmed down, I messaged Eddie saying ‘I love you mate,'” Benn shared. “This isn’t the end of the road; the journey does continue.” This statement suggests that while their professional paths may have diverged, there remains a level of mutual respect and affection between the two.
Hearn, who has been a pivotal figure in Benn’s career, expressed his disappointment and surprise at Benn’s decision. “I’m pretty devastated,” Hearn admitted. “I blame myself because I forgot it was boxing. I just felt that the loyalty we’ve shown would never put us in this position.” Hearn’s comments highlight the deep professional and personal bond he shared with Benn, making this split all the more unexpected.
Benn’s career has been marked by both triumph and controversy. After two failed drug tests that led to the cancellation of a highly anticipated bout with Chris Eubank Jr in October 2022, Benn was later cleared of any wrongdoing. He went on to secure two lucrative paydays against Eubank Jr, first suffering a defeat in April before gaining revenge in November with a unanimous decision victory, dropping Eubank Jr twice during the fight.
As Benn embarks on this new chapter with Zuffa Boxing, the boxing world will be watching closely. His decision to decline Hearn’s call and move to a new promoter marks a significant shift in his career trajectory. Whether this move will prove beneficial in the long run remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Conor Benn continues to be a compelling figure in the world of boxing.
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