Conor Benn has divided opinion amongst boxing fans after ditching promoter Eddie Hearn to sign for Dana White’s ‘Zuffa Boxing’. Now, Conor has revealed the thoughts of his fan-favourite father, Nigel.
Hearn had promoted Benn since he turned professional, standing by his side despite a concerning early performance against Cedrick Peynaud and the well-documented failed drug tests of 2022, building the 29-year-old into a global superstar.
As a result, when Zuffa Boxing unveiled the signature of Benn, the world of boxing was left confused as to why they had the opportunity to sign him and how Benn could turn his back on a promoter who had shown such support and loyalty.
Reports suggest that ‘The Destroyer’ was offered $15 million for a one-fight deal with the United States-based promotional outfit, an offer which Hearn believes he could have matched if allowed the chance to do so.
In an interview with Boxing King Media, Conor explained that he spoke to his father, two-division world champion Nigel, and that he agreed that the move was a ‘no-brainer’.
“Yeah, [I spoke to my dad about this]. My dad, when he heard the numbers, [he thought] it was a no-brainer.”
Benn is expected to debut with White’s company on Zuffa Boxing’s first card in the United Kingdom, which will reportedly take place before May 31st.
Should the touted figures be true, it is presumed that Benn will be in for a tough test in a high-profile fight. Zuffa Boxing are expected to make another major welterweight signature in the coming weeks, to possibly tee up a showdown on British soil for their inaugural title at 147lbs.