Barry Hearn, the founder and president of Matchroom Sport, has launched a scathing attack on boxer Conor Benn, labelling his departure from the promotion as "classless" and "outrageous." The 29-year-old fighter has left Matchroom to join Dana White's Saudi-backed Zuffa organisation, a move that has sparked significant controversy in the boxing world.
A Bitter Split After a Decade-Long Partnership
Hearn, who has over 50 years of experience in sports promotion, revealed that Benn's exit was handled through legal representatives rather than direct communication, which he found particularly disrespectful. The promoter described the relationship with Benn as special, almost familial, given that Matchroom had represented him since he turned professional.
Eddie Hearn's Emotional Response
Eddie Hearn, chairman of Matchroom and Barry's son, characterised the move as a "dagger in the heart," emphasising the personal and professional betrayal felt by the organisation. Barry Hearn echoed this sentiment, stating that this departure is the most horrible he has ever experienced in his long career.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Barry Hearn elaborated on the situation, saying, "This wasn't the average relationship with a contracted boxer, this was special. Conor was as close as he could have been to being part of the family." He expressed shock at Benn's decision to communicate via lawyers after a decade of collaboration, comparing it to a marital breakdown.
The Context of Benn's Career Move
Conor Benn recently avenged a defeat to rival Chris Eubank Jr with a victory in a high-profile rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November, which had positioned him favourably within Matchroom. Hearn noted that the timing made the departure even more painful, as the promotion had invested heavily in his career.
Hearn criticised Benn for allegedly travelling to America to solicit offers, ultimately securing a substantial deal with Zuffa. He emphasised that while such moves are part of the business, the manner of execution was unacceptable. "You don't disband a team and even if you do, you don't do it by text or by lawyers," Hearn asserted, highlighting the lack of personal engagement in the process.
Implications for the Boxing Industry
This incident underscores the often turbulent nature of boxing promotions, where loyalty and financial incentives frequently clash. Benn's switch to Zuffa, backed by Saudi investment, reflects the growing influence of international money in the sport, potentially reshaping fighter-promoter dynamics.
Barry Hearn's comments have ignited discussions about ethics and communication in professional boxing, with many observers weighing in on the appropriateness of Benn's actions. As the dust settles, the fallout from this split may influence how future contracts and departures are handled in the industry.
