Conor Benn is poised for a pivotal moment in his career this Saturday as his lucrative £11.19 million, one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing reaches its conclusion following his bout against Regis Prograis.
The high-stakes encounter, which sees Benn feature on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s clash with Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, marks his first appearance since securing a points victory over Chris Eubank Jr in November.
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The 29-year-old, who was promoted by Eddie Hearn throughout his professional career, made headlines in February when he unexpectedly joined Zuffa Boxing. This venture is a collaboration between UFC chief executive Dana White and Saudi Arabian powerbroker Turki Alalshikh.
Benn has hinted that his partnership with Zuffa could extend beyond his upcoming Netflix debut, as he sets his sights on a world title shot against WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia in September.
Conor Benn is set to fight for the first time since winning his rematch with Chris Eubank Jr in November (PA Wire)
“Zuffa wanted to make noise – and that’s exactly what they’ve done,” Benn stated, ahead of his 150lbs catchweight fight with Prograis.
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“I don’t see much bigger announcements that have gone so viral off an announcement of a signing, not even a fight. They’ve done exactly what they needed to do and it’s a privilege that I’m that guy.”
Despite the expiring contract, Benn suggested Zuffa remains in a strong position.
“After Saturday I’ll be a completely free agent. Obviously Zuffa are in the driving seat because of the way they’ve looked after me so well,” he added.
“I’m extremely blessed by this opportunity. Of course the amount is lovely, but also the opportunity and to be able to fight so soon.”
His departure blindsided Hearn, who described being informed by email as a “dagger in the heart” and claimed he “literally died on a hill for him”.
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Hearn had supported Benn through a failed drugs test in 2022, which eventually saw his ban lifted, and promoted both fights against Eubank Jr, while also alleging he lent Benn £550,000.
Benn insists he wants to sit down and patch up his relationship with Eddie Hearn (PA Wire)
Benn, however, denied receiving the loan, asserting that the financial rewards offered by Zuffa Boxing were simply too significant to decline. He expressed openness to Hearn visiting him in his changing room on Saturday.
“It’s not all black and white, that’s all I can say on it. But ultimately, I have no feeling in my heart towards Eddie,” Benn explained.
“What I do know, what I can say, is my kids are set up for life. What I can say is this changes my kids’ kids’ lives. What I can say is this an opportunity I couldn’t turn down, irrelevant of all the noise, irrelevant of everything.
“And hopefully we can sit down and I hope he does knock on my (changing room) door. You know, I love Eddie.”
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