‘Lose a bit of your soul’ – Eddie Hearn ‘devastated’ as Conor Benn leaves Matchroom Boxing for Dana White’s Zuffa
By Marko Tankosic
SME News Balkan. Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn has admitted he feels “pretty devastated” after British welterweight Conor Benn ended their long-term partnership to sign with Zuffa Boxing, the new promotional venture backed by UFC president Dana White.
The move marks a significant shift in the boxing landscape, with Benn becoming one of the first high-profile UK fighters to align with White’s emerging boxing brand.
Hearn Reacts to Benn’s Departure
Speaking to IFL TV, Hearn revealed he was shocked by the manner of Benn’s exit after nearly a decade together.
“Me personally, pretty devastated,” Hearn said. “It is not often you get shocked. I blame myself. I misjudged the character.”
According to Hearn, he received formal notice of the split via email from Benn’s lawyer and was denied a direct phone conversation with the 29-year-old fighter.
“For everything I’ve done, I deserve a call,” Hearn stated. “The way it played out, to receive an email from the lawyer and then to ask for a call and not the willingness to have it, you just lose a bit of your soul to it.”
A Decade Together: Highs and Lows
Benn turned professional under Matchroom’s banner and quickly emerged as one of Britain’s most exciting welterweights. The son of former world champion Nigel Benn, he built momentum toward a blockbuster showdown with Chris Eubank Jr., reigniting one of British boxing’s most famous rivalries.
However, their first scheduled fight in 2022 was cancelled after Benn tested positive for a banned substance. The controversy led to a prolonged battle to clear his name and regain his boxing license in the UK.
During that turbulent period, Matchroom stood by Benn, promoting his return bouts in the United States while licensing issues were resolved. The long-awaited clash with Eubank Jr. eventually took place in April 2025, with Eubank claiming victory. Benn responded by winning the rematch in November, restoring momentum to his career.
Hearn referenced that loyalty when discussing the split.
“I gave a lot. I believed him and I backed him and I never gave in when he was done, out. Loaned him hundreds of thousands of pounds,” Hearn said. “I just think the way it was done was very, very wrong.”
Benn’s Statement on Joining Zuffa Boxing
In an Instagram post announcing his move, Benn expressed gratitude to Matchroom while embracing a new chapter.
“First and foremost, I want to thank Eddie and the entire team at Matchroom for everything they have done for me over the past decade,” Benn wrote. “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.”
He added that he is “filled with excitement and hunger for what’s ahead with Zuffa Boxing.”
Comparison to Anthony Joshua
When asked whether Benn was Matchroom’s second most valuable asset behind Anthony Joshua, Hearn drew a clear distinction between the two fighters.
“You can’t mention those two in the same way, for many reasons,” Hearn said. “Joshua is a different breed in class and loyalty. Joshua is one of a kind. He’s cut from a different cloth.”
What Benn’s Move Means for Boxing
Benn’s decision to join Zuffa Boxing signals a potentially transformative moment for the sport. With Dana White aiming to disrupt traditional promotional structures, landing a proven UK pay-per-view name strengthens Zuffa’s credibility early on.
For Matchroom, losing a homegrown star represents both an emotional and commercial blow. For Benn, the gamble could open doors to new global matchups and crossover opportunities.
As boxing’s promotional landscape evolves, all eyes will now be on how Zuffa Boxing positions Benn — and whether the partnership reshapes the balance of power in the sport.
