Conor Benn has recently shocked the boxing world by announcing he has left Matchroom Boxing to sign with Zuffa Boxing. Eddie Hearn spoke to iFL TV and expressed his disappointment with the news, while many in the sport have expressed their dismay at the news. Former super middleweight world champion Carl Froch has given his honest reaction to the news via his Froch on Fighting social media channel.
Conor Benn leaves Matchroom for Zuffa Boxing
Announcing his departure from Matchroom, Benn said via a social media statement:
“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.”
Carl Froch reacts to Benn news
Discussing Benn’s Matchroom departure and the competition between Eddie Hearn and Dana White, Froch said:
“One of the biggest talking points for this split has been this phone call that never happened. If you want a friend in business, get yourself a nice Labrador. When money’s involved, no matter who you are, what you’ve done together, or what history you’ve got, it goes out the window.
“And that goes for Eddie Hearn. That goes for Dana White, Turki Alalshikh, Conor Benn, anybody. Trust me, especially boxing, it’s the vestige remains of the wild west. Nobody really f****ing gives a s**t, it’s just dog eat dog. That’s the game.
“And Eddie Hearn knows this as well, so he shouldn’t get too upset. Dan White’s got this thing against Eddie Hearn, and they’ve got this little competition going where they give each other stick. But to be honest, I don’t want to say Eddie’s out of his league. He’s a great promoter. He’s in America. He’s done what he’s done in England. He’s a fantastic promoter. He works hard.
“But when you look at Dana White, he’s got Donald Trump on speed dial for f***s sake. He’s in with Turki Alalshikh. There’s a guy called Nick Khan who’s well-connected. They might be putting on a show at the White House. So, there’s levels to the game, and levels to the world. And Dana White is really leagues beyond Eddie Hearn. Not necessarily in the boxing world, but with connections and with the old backing, I don’t think you can go up against Dana White, especially in the position he’s in now.
“And Conor Benn’s obviously seen it and smelt it and tasted it, and he’s signed on the dotted line, and he’s f***ing done one because he don’t want no part of it. So, that phone call with Eddie Hearn that didn’t go down. I kind of understand why Conor Benn don’t want to talk to him yet. He’s made his mind up. The decision’s done. The contract’s probably signed. Why’s he going to sit and listen to Eddie Hearn cry him a river?”
