Overview
- Benn has left Matchroom to sign with Dana White’s Saudi‑backed Zuffa Boxing on a reported one‑fight, eight‑figure deal.
- Barry Hearn called the departure “classless,” saying Benn communicated via lawyers, while Eddie Hearn labeled it a “dagger in the heart” after years of support and loans.
- Eddie Hearn acknowledged Benn’s contract had expired and that Matchroom should have tied him down sooner, leaving the fighter free to accept Zuffa’s offer.
- Benn says the switch is to accelerate a world‑title run and he is targeting new WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia, with September floated by Benn as a possible timeframe.
- Zuffa Boxing, launched with Saudi backing and fresh off its January debut show, is expanding its roster and next features Jai Opetaia vs Brandon Glanton, while reports suggest Benn’s first bout could land in the UK in late May though no date is confirmed.