Drastic money difference behind Zuffa switch - Benn

Conor Benn says a “drastic” difference in money was behind his switch from Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing to Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing as he “made the best decision” for his family.

The 29-year-old had been with Matchroom Boxing since he turned professional in 2016 but joined Zuffa in February in a move Hearn described as being a “dagger in the heart” for him.

Hearn said he had learned of Benn’s decision via an email from his lawyer and that he had made a “mistake” in trusting the boxer.

“This is one of those decisions where I sit down and I go, ‘it changes not just my kids’ lives but my kids’ kids lives’,” Benn told the Overlap podcast.

“There’s nothing I would not be willing to do in the interests of my kids and family over anybody.”

Benn, who will fight Regis Prograis on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s comeback fight on 11 April, confirmed the deal with Zuffa Boxing is for one fight, and it is reportedly worth an eight-figure fee to the Englishman.

“It’s hard when you’re talking the money you’re talking,” he added. “You can’t say it’s painful because my loyalty is not with Matchroom – I love Matchroom and am forever grateful [to them]. My love for Eddie and Matchroom will always be there.

“You can’t even say heartbreaking because, ultimately, it’s a business decision and you have to make the best decision for you, your family and your career. For me, this is the best decision.”

Benn is the son of former two-weight world champion Nigel and he said his father “instantly” approved of his switch to Zuffa.

“Yes, drastic,” added Benn when asked if the financial difference behind his switch was so significant.

“It’s money where you go, ‘if you’re a couple of million out you go, yeah, we can sort it out’. It’s not that.”

‘I’m paying in blood’

Benn failed a voluntary drugs test – twice testing positive for the banned substance Clomifene in 2022 – and, following a two-year battle with authorities, his provisional suspension was lifted in November 2024.

He has since fought Chris Eubank Jr in two blockbuster bouts – losing the first fight but winning the second – and he said his recent experiences had played a part in his decision.

“Any fight could be your last fight,” said Benn. “And, after the three years I’ve had, I promised myself I would never be in a position again where I have to feel the way I felt.

“It all fell on me. No-one paid my legal bills. He [Hearn] didn’t lend me a cent. I paid the legal bills 100% myself.

“That three years taught me what I know now. No-one’s there to cover me or my family – I am.”

Benn has won 24 of his 25 professional bouts, with his only loss coming in the first fight against Eubank Jr.

He knows that he “wouldn’t be around today without Matchroom and what they’ve done and guided me”.

“Of course I’ve spoken to him [Hearn],” Benn told BBC Sport. “It is what it is, it’s business and that’s all it is.

“I’ll always have a friendship with Eddie. Whether he reciprocates that or not is entirely up to him.

“I’m not in this sport to make enemies. I’m here to do the best by my family and give my family the best life possible.

“Also, I’m excited about this journey in my career. It’s a new chapter.

“I’m paying in blood. This is violent money. This isn’t easy, so I’ve made the right decision.”

Zuffa Boxing is backed by UFC chief Dana White and Saudi Arabian capital.

White’s ultimate aim is to sideline the four traditional sanctioning bodies – the WBO, WBC, IBF and WBA – and make Zuffa’s belt the premier world title alongside the Ring Magazine title, an organisation owned by Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh.

Benn said his move was “a quick turnaround” and after the one-fight deal he will be a free agent.

“I can do my own, go to Matchroom or stay with Zuffa. It’s very short-sighted, the approach,” he said, while admitting a one-fight deal is not normal.

“But the big noise that it made, it was worth it,” added Benn, who described White as a “very good guy” who “wants to make a big move into boxing”.