Conor Benn extends controversial Zuffa Boxing partnership with new contract
British boxer Conor Benn has solidified his contentious partnership with Zuffa Boxing, signing a new multi-fight deal following his recent lucrative victory.
The move extends a decision that sent shockwaves through the sport in February, when Benn unexpectedly departed Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom to join Zuffa – a joint venture between UFC chief executive Dana White and Saudi Arabian kingpin Turki Alalshikh – for what was initially a single fight.
Benn, the son of boxing legend Nigel Benn, reportedly secured £11.19million for his unanimous points win over Regis Prograis in a 150lb catchweight contest in Tottenham last Saturday. Despite the substantial payout, the 29-year-old has wasted no time in committing his future.
The announcement on Friday confirmed Benn and Zuffa are now “locked in” for a multi-fight agreement, with speculation rife that his next opponent will be WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia.
This development will come as little surprise to Benn’s former promoter, Eddie Hearn, who has been embroiled in a public war of words with his ex-fighter since learning of their split via email. Hearn had previously asserted that Benn would remain with Zuffa.
Speaking in a video posted on Zuffa’s X account, Benn said: “Yes guys, I just signed a new multi-fight deal I am very, very excited about. Our visions are aligned, our goal remains the same to get the world title, but more importantly to give people the fights they want. The mega fights. If you guys want it, you guys can get it.”
White added: “Conor and I just signed a new deal after his one-fight deal. We’re excited to have him. We’re ready to put on some big fights.”
Benn made his professional debut in April 2016, and had his first 25 fights under the Matchroom banner, winning 24 of them.
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He made the shock switch to Zuffa earlier this year, and moved to 25-1 by winning on points last weekend.