Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Alex Pattle

Eddie Hearn makes big Conor Benn claim after bitter Matchroom split

  • Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has claimed that Conor Benn rejected three world-title fight opportunities against different opponents before his departure from Matchroom earlier this year.
  • Benn unexpectedly left Hearn's Matchroom promotional company in February to sign with rivals Zuffa Boxing, despite Hearn's previous support during a two-year period following Benn's failed drug tests in 2022.
  • Hearn specified the rejected opponents to various outlets, including Boxing News, as Lewis Crocker for the IBF welterweight title, Rolly Romero for the WBA title, and Josh Kelly for the IBF super-welterweight title.
  • Hearn suggested that Benn's refusal stemmed from a desire to avoid being “beat for small money” when he could potentially secure more lucrative fights, implying Benn knows his own limitations.
  • Since joining Zuffa, Benn has fought once, outpointing Regis Prograis in a catchweight bout in April, and is expected to return to welterweight later this year, having previously traded middleweight wins with Chris Eubank Jr in 2025.

IN FULL

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.