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Boxing
Conor Benn confident Zuffa Boxing will get value from his mega one-fight deal
Conor Benn insists Zuffa Boxing are getting value for money from their £11.19million, one-fight deal which expires after his clash with Regis Prograis on Saturday.
Benn features on the undercard of Tyson Fury v Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in his first appearance since crushing Chris Eubank Jr on points in November.
The 29-year-old has been promoted by Eddie Hearn for his entire professional career but in February unexpectedly joined Zuffa Boxing, a joint venture between UFC chief executive Dana White and Saudi Arabian powerbroker Turki Alalshikh.
Benn hints that the partnership will continue beyond his Netflix debut as he eyes a world title shot against WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia in September.
“Zuffa wanted to make noise – and that’s exactly what they’ve done,” said Benn, who takes on Prograis at a 150lbs catchweight.
“I don’t see much bigger announcements that have gone so viral off an announcement of a signing, not even a fight. They’ve done exactly what they needed to do and it’s a privilege that I’m that guy.
“After Saturday I’ll be a completely free agent. Obviously Zuffa are in the driving seat because of the way they’ve looked after me so well.
“I’m extremely blessed by this opportunity. Of course the amount is lovely, but also the opportunity and to be able to fight so soon.”
Hearn was blindsided by Benn’s decision to leave Matchroom for a rival and described being informed by email as a “dagger in the heart”, adding that “I literally died on a hill for him”.
The promoter represented Benn after he was suspended for failing a drugs test in 2022 – the ban was eventually lifted – and put on the two fights against Eubank Jr, as well as claiming to have leant his former fighter £550,000.
Benn, who denied receiving the loan, insists the financial rewards on offer made Zuffa Boxing impossible to turn down and would be happy for Hearn to visit him in his changing room on Saturday.
“It’s not all black and white, that’s all I can say on it. But ultimately, I have no feeling in my heart towards Eddie,” Benn said.
“What I do know, what I can say, is my kids are set up for life. What I can say is this changes my kids’ kids’ lives.
“What I can say is this an opportunity I couldn’t turn down, irrelevant of all the noise, irrelevant of everything.
“And hopefully we can sit down and I hope he does knock on my (changing room) door. You know, I love Eddie.”
