Drastic money difference behind Zuffa switch – BennImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Benn will fight Regis Prograis on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s comeback fight on 11 AprilByMandeep SangheraBBC Sport journalistPublished12 minutes agoConor Benn says a “drastic” difference in money was behind his switch from Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing to Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing as he “made the best decision” for his family.The 29-year-old had been with Matchroom Boxing since he turned professional in 2016 but joined Zuffa in February in a move Hearn described as being a “dagger in the heart” for him.Hearn reported he had learned of Benn’s decision via an email from his lawyer and that he had made a “mistake” in trusting the boxer.”This is one of those decisions where I sit down and I go, ‘it changes not just my kids’ lives but my kids’ kids lives’,” Benn told the Overlap podcast., external
“There’s nothing I would not be willing to do in the interests of my kids and family over anybody.”
Benn, who will fight Regis Prograis on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s comeback fight on 11 April, confirmed the deal with Zuffa Boxing is for one fight, and it is reportedly worth an eight-figure fee to the Englishman.
“It’s hard when you’re talking the money you’re talking,” he added. “You can’t say it’s painful because my loyalty is not with Matchroom – I love Matchroom and am forever grateful [to them]. My love for Eddie and Matchroom will always be there.
“You can’t even say heartbreaking because, ultimately, it’s a business decision and you have to make the best decision for you, your family and your career. For me, this is the best decision.”
Benn is the son of former two-weight world champion Nigel and he reported his father “instantly” approved of his switch to Zuffa.
“Yes, drastic,” added Benn when asked if the financial difference behind his switch was so significant.
“It’s money where you go, ‘if you’re a couple of million out you go, yeah, we can sort it out’. It’s not that.”
