Benn’s departure surprised many contained in the business. The 29-year-old reportedly secured a one-fight agreement value about $15 million with the brand new promotional enterprise led by Dana White. Hearn said he was given only three days to match the offer, a window he described as commercially unrealistic.
The Matchroom promoter explained that one other a part of the conversation left him stunned.
“There was something else which was, ‘We’ll provide you with just a few quid in case you don’t say anything bad’, sort of thing,” Hearn said while talking to iFL TV.
“And I used to be like, ‘What?’ ‘We still wish to work with you and here’s just a few quid.’”
Hearn said the proposal was circulated internally inside Matchroom before any response was considered.
“I’ve received it and it’s gone to Frank Smith and Shaun Palmer,” Hearn said. “And we’re all then straight on like, ‘Have you ever seen that? Are they having amusing?’ Everyone was just completely shocked.”
The split ended an extended partnership. Hearn promoted Benn from his skilled debut at 19 and guided his rise through the welterweight ranks into major headline fights.
Hearn also expressed frustration with how the communication unfolded once the negotiations began to shift. In response to him, the primary formal notice of Benn’s move arrived through legal channels slightly than a direct conversation with the fighter.
“I text Conor possibly 4 or five days later and said, ‘I actually think we should always have a call,’” Hearn said. “For the whole lot that I’ve done for you, I don’t think it’s fair that I should need to take care of a letter out of your lawyer.”
Despite the disagreement, Hearn said his objection was not about Benn pursuing a bigger payday.
“To be honest, I believe people get it mixed up,” Hearn said. “A fighter shouldn’t be denied the prospect to make a whole lot of money for his or her family. I couldn’t agree more. This just isn’t about that.”
Benn’s move places him under the Zuffa Boxing banner as the brand new promotion begins constructing its roster. His next fight is scheduled for April 11 in a 150-pound catchweight bout against former junior welterweight champion Regis Prograis.
The matchup will place Benn back within the ring under recent promotional leadership while the fallout from his split with Matchroom continues to generate discussion across the business side of the game.
