Boxing fans have offered their thoughts on Conor Benn’s deal with Zuffa Boxing after proposed figures emerged following the announcement.
On Friday (20 February), 29-year-old Benn took to Instagram to announce that he had signed with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, having previously been signed to Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing for most of his professional career.
The British fighter, who boasts a record of 24-1, thanked Hearn and his team for “everything” they had done for him before looking ahead to the future with Zuffa.
Zuffa Boxing is a promotional outfit backed by UFC boss White and funded in part by Saudi Arabia.
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The American has already made clear that he aims to make Zuffa’s belts the premier world titles in the sport, rather than the traditional four straps – WBO, WBC, IBF and WBA.
Benn, who described Dana’s offer as one he “simply couldn’t refuse”, has been heavily linked with a WBC welterweight world title challenge, as he is currently ranked as a mandatory challenger.
The Englishman has already suggested that he could fight the winner of Ryan Garcia vs Mario Barrios in 2026.
So, what are the financial details of Benn’s new deal?
As reported by Sports Illustrated journalist Chris Mannix, Benn “will fight before 31 May” and has signed a “one-fight, eight-figure deal” with the promotion.
Benn also has the option of becoming a free agent after his one-fight deal is up.
Fans were quick to react to the proposed lucrative deal on social media.
One said: “So basically make it seem controversial that he’ll fight for Zuffa when Turki is involved in it and he’s involved in Matchroom. Turki pays Benn, it makes headlines, and then he goes back to Matchroom after boosting Zuffa’s stock.”
Another added: “Life-changing money? He grew up rich and made a fortune off his last two fights. He’s not some working-class kid who worked his way up from nothing.
“His surname has gotten him every opportunity he’s ever had and he’s never fought for a world title.”
A third claimed: “Apparently getting 10 million — sure he got that for his last fight, or close to it.”
As a fourth commented: “That is absolutely insane. No way Zuffa can be turned into any kind of real business if that is how they plan to move.”
White also reacted to signing Benn and described the boxer as “an absolute beast and a superstar”.
“He shows up every time and destroys people, and now some of the best fighters in the world are calling him out,” White said in a statement.
“He’s ready for a world title next, and I can’t wait to see him compete in Zuffa Boxing. He’s going to be a huge addition to a growing stable of very talented boxers.”
Topics: Conor Benn, Boxing, Dana White, Eddie Hearn, Boxing News
Luke Davies