Conor Benn is the latest marquee fighter to sign with Zuffa Boxing, the nascent promotion announced on Friday.
Benn has not yet held or even challenged for a world title, but the 29-year-old is coming off two huge events in his native England, losing a war with Chris Eubank Jnr last April and then winning a comfortable decision in their rematch in November. Both matches took place in front of tens of thousands of fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
From his pro debut in 2016 onward, Benn was promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. Hearn stood by the son of Hall of Famer Nigel Benn even after Conor tested positive for a banned performance-enhancing drug ahead of an initial fight date with Eubank in 2022.
Now, after 25 fights, Benn is switching teams.
“I’m filled with excitement and hunger for what’s ahead with Zuffa Boxing,” Benn, 24-1 (14 KOs), said in a press release. “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’s deal is for one fight and will pay him eight figures, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated and DAZN, citing anonymous sources.
Benn also issued an extended statement on social media:
"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."
Zuffa's announcement did not indicate whether Benn will compete at welterweight, where he fought prior to his positive drug test, or middleweight, where the Eubank bouts took place. Zuffa Boxing is planning to only recognize eight weight classes, including 147 and 160. Benn is ranked 14th at middleweight by the WBO. At welterweight, he is rated first by the WBC, fourth by the WBA and seventh by the IBF.
None of those ratings may matter in the long run. Zuffa Boxing is seeking to introduce its own title belts, though its ability to do so will depend on the passage of a proposed set of amendments to the Ali Act in the United States. However, the most accomplished boxer currently in Zuffa’s stable – IBF, Ring Magazine and lineal cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia – is hoping to hold on to his sanctioning body belt and unify with the remaining organizations’ titles.
“Conor Benn is an absolute beast and a superstar,” said Zuffa Boxing’s Dana White, who also heads up the UFC. “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.”
David Greisman, who has covered boxing since 2004, is on Twitter @FightingWords2. David’s book, “Fighting Words: The Heart and Heartbreak of Boxing,” is available on Amazon.
