In a stunning turn of events, renowned boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has made explosive claims about Conor Benn, alleging that the British boxer was offered a substantial sum of money to remain silent. This revelation comes hot on the heels of Benn’s unexpected agreement with Zuffa Boxing, a move that has sent shockwaves through the boxing community.
Hearn, the head of Matchroom Boxing, has been a pivotal figure in Benn’s career, standing by him through thick and thin, including a protracted drug-testing controversy. The news of Benn’s departure to Zuffa Boxing, backed by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, has clearly left Hearn reeling.
The rivalry between Hearn and Zuffa Boxing, particularly with UFC CEO Dana White at the helm, has been intensifying. White’s recent comments at the UFC Houston post-fight press conference, where he referred to Hearn in derogatory terms, have only added fuel to the fire. Hearn, however, remains steadfast in his belief that White and Zuffa Boxing do not have the best interests of the fighters at heart.
“I hear people’s comments like Dana White and Terence Crawford questioning my dedication to the fighters,” Hearn stated in a recent interview. “But I have always prioritized the well-being and careers of my athletes.”
The details of Benn’s contract with Zuffa Boxing have also been a topic of intense speculation. It has been confirmed that the deal is for a single fight, a surprising move given Benn’s long-standing relationship with Hearn and Matchroom Boxing. This one-fight agreement has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the motives behind such a brief commitment.
Adding to the intrigue, TKO Group Holdings president and chief operating officer Mark Shapiro addressed criticisms from UFC fighters regarding the reported $15 million deal for Benn. Shapiro clarified that the financial burden of this deal falls on SELA, the Saudi Arabia-led entertainment company headed by Turki Alalshikh, rather than TKO.
“We at TKO, along with SELA, have identified Conor Benn as a key figure for one of our super-fights in 2026,” Shapiro explained. This statement has only heightened the anticipation and speculation surrounding Benn’s future in the sport.
The boxing world is abuzz with these developments, and all eyes are on Conor Benn as he embarks on this new chapter with Zuffa Boxing. The implications of this move, both for Benn’s career and the broader landscape of boxing, remain to be seen.
Team_TBE Boxing
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