One of the biggest stars in world boxing has inked promotional terms with Dana White’s Zuffa.
Welterweight contender Conor Benn unveiled a stunning move to the newly-formed promotional company spearheaded by UFC CEO White, Turki Alalshikh and WWE President Nick Khan on Friday in an announcement that has shocked the boxing world.
Advertisement
Benn’s signing with Zuffa is a one-fight deal worth an eight-figure sum, according to multiple reports; Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix was first to report details of Benn’s contract.
Benn signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom promotional stable before making his pro debut and has been with them for the entirety of his career, including a drug scandal that lasted two years after Benn failed a pair of tests for the banned substance clomifene in 2022. Benn was eventually cleared because UK Anti-Doping was not comfortably satisfied that he had committed an anti-doping violation.
Benn is coming off a pair of fights with Chris Eubank Jr. Although Benn lost the first contest — which was a frontrunner for 2025 Fight of the Year — he settled the score in their rematch, scoring two knockdowns in the final round and dominating Eubank at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London this past November.
Advertisement
Zuffa’s signing of Benn is the first real signing that shows just how big of a player White’s operation will be in boxing. And considering the heated back-and-forth between White and Hearn in recent weeks, Zuffa’s signing of Benn is sure to be a painful announcement for the latter.
In a statement Friday, Benn thanked Hearn and Matchroom for their partnership together over the years and stated that he’d “love Eddie to continue to be part of my team and for our partnership to evolve in this new chapter,” although how exactly that’d work is not immediately clear.
First and foremost, I want to thank Eddie and the entire team at Matchroom for everything they’ve done for me over the past decade.
From guiding me when I first turned pro, to headlining stadium shows. They were not only with me for those highlight moments but stood shoulder to shoulder with me during the tough times.
It’s been a journey beyond anything we could have imagined, and for their belief, support, and guidance, I will always be truly grateful, but Zuffa Boxing presented me with an opportunity I simply couldn’t refuse.
I’d love Eddie to continue to be part of my team and for our partnership to evolve in this new chapter.
I’m filled with excitement and hunger for what’s ahead with Zuffa Boxing. I want the legacy fights, the biggest nights, the biggest stages. I fear no man at any weight, and I’m ready to give the fans the fights they’ve been calling for. I’m in my prime, and together we have bold, ambitious plans.
Benn was hoping to fight either Rolando “Rolly” Romero for the WBA welterweight title next or enforce his WBC mandatory position on the winner of Saturday’s Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia welterweight title fight. A fight with Shakur Stevenson has also been mentioned for the British star.
Advertisement
Said White in a statement Friday:
“Conor Benn is an absolute beast and a superstar.He shows up every time and destroys people, and now some of the best fighters in the world are calling him out. He’s ready for a world title next and I can’t wait to see him compete in Zuffa Boxing. He’s going to be a huge addition to a growing stable of very talented boxers.”
Read the full article here
