Conor Benn says ‘I’m not the reason why these fights don’t happen’
Published on
On April 11, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Conor Benn will have his first fight since leaving Matchroom to sign with Zuffa Boxing, inking a $15 million one-fight deal, covered by Turki Alalshikh. This move caused a huge talking point in the sport, with many criticising his decision to face an ageing Regis Prograis. Benn recently appeared on The Ring Magazine’s Mr Verzace Podcast with Rick Reeno, where he discussed the failure to make the biggest fights.
Conor Benn leaves Matchroom for Zuffa Boxing
Benn’s statement announcing his departure from Matchroom for Zuffa shocked the boxing world:
“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.
“I’m filled with excitement and hunger for what’s ahead with Zuffa Boxing. 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.”
Conor Benn discusses failure to make the biggest fights
Talking to Rick Reeno, Conor Benn clarified why recent rumoured fights involving him failed to materialise:
“I’m not the reason why these fights do not happen. Rolly, we could have made that fight. Garcia, we could have made that fight.
“Haney, we could have made that fight. Shakur, we could have made that fight. But the fact Shakur’s coming out and saying: ‘Yeah, no, I’m not fighting at anything above 135.’ Well, that just shows that some people do things just for clout. When I say something, I mean it.”
Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov full fight card
- Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov, 12 rounds, heavyweights
- Conor Benn vs Regis Prograis, 10 rounds, 150-pound catchweight
- Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva vs Richard Riakporhe, 12 rounds, for Tshikeva’s British heavyweight title
- Justis Huni vs Frazer Clarke, 10 rounds, heavyweights
- Breyon Gorham vs Eduardo Costa, 6 rounds, super lightweights
- Mikie Tallon vs Leonardo Blanc, 6 rounds, flyweights
- Simon Zachenhuber vs Pawel August, 6 rounds, middleweights
- Felix Cash vs Liam O’Hare, 8 rounds, middleweights
- Sultan Almohammed vs Hector Lozano, 4 rounds, super featherweights
- Elliot Whale vs Tom Hill, 6 rounds, welterweights
Stay with Big Fight Weekend for coverage of Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov, including results and video highlights, and post-fight analysis.