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Conor Benn’s exit from Matchroom Boxing was already decided before Eddie Hearn ever had the chance to stop it, with the promoter revealing Benn refused even to speak with him before agreeing to his Zuffa Boxing deal.
Hearn said he was informed of Benn’s departure through an email sent by the fighter’s lawyer, not through Benn himself, ending a working relationship that had lasted since Benn’s professional debut in 2016.
“When I received the email from Conor Benn’s lawyer, I texted him and said, ‘I think we should have a call. For everything I’ve done for you, I deserve a call,’” Hearn told IFL TV. “And he said no. I can’t believe it.”
The refusal made clear that Benn’s decision had already moved beyond negotiation. Hearn indicated Matchroom was willing to engage financially, but the absence of direct communication removed any realistic path to keeping him.
“We replied. We actually part of the deal, I think we would have got quite close to it,” Hearn said. “But I think by then it was just the way that it played out. To receive an email from the lawyer and then to ask for a call and not get the willingness to have a call, I think by then it was just like you kind of lose a little bit of your soul to it.”
Benn’s agreement with Zuffa Boxing is reportedly a one-fight deal worth eight figures, allowing him to compete under the new promotion without committing long-term. The structure gives him immediate financial upside while keeping his future open beyond a single appearance.
Hearn acknowledged the business reality behind Benn’s move, but admitted he believed their history and support would have at least led to a direct conversation before any decision was finalized.
“I blame myself,” Hearn said. “I misjudged the character. I just felt that the loyalty that we’ve shown would never, ever put us in this position.”
The situation shows who holds the pen in this sport. Benn did not bargain his way out. He picked his direction, and Matchroom heard about it after the ink was dry.
Last Updated on 02/21/2026
