Eddie Hearn has revealed he tried to speak directly with Conor Benn before his surprise move to Zuffa Boxing, but the request was turned down.
The Matchroom promoter addressed the situation after Benn’s signing brought an end to their long-running working relationship.
Hearn said the manner in which he learned about the deal added to the disappointment. Opening up about the split, Hearn did not hide how much the development affected him.
Hearn informed of signing via legal email
Eddie Hearn explained that Conor Benn did not contact him personally about the Zuffa Boxing agreement and that he instead received notification through Benn’s legal team.
He described the moment as both unexpected and difficult to process, especially given how much he had done to elevate Benn’s career.
“I’m pretty devastated. Very, very surprising, very, very painful. I actually received an email from Conor Benn’s lawyer to make me aware of it.”
After seeing the email, Hearn said he immediately reached out in an effort to speak directly with Benn before the news became public.
Phone call request rejected by Benn
Eddie Hearn said he messaged Conor Benn asking for a conversation, referencing the years they had worked together and the support he had provided during challenging periods. The response, according to Hearn, was brief and decisive.
“For everything I’ve done for you, I think I deserve a call. And he said, ‘No.’ I just felt that the loyalty that we’d shown would never ever put us in this position. I misjudged the character.”
Hearn later reflected on the situation and suggested he may have relied too heavily on trust within the sport.
Benn’s move to Zuffa Boxing signals a new chapter in his career, but Hearn’s remarks underline that the breakdown in direct communication is what left the most lasting impact on their partnership.
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