Conor Benn has denied claims that Eddie Hearn lent hundreds of thousands of pounds to cover legal after failing two drug tests in 2022.
Conor Benn (24-1, 14ko’s) leaving Matchroom Boxing and Eddie Hearn to join Zuffa Boxing and Dana White shocked the boxing and wider sporting world.
Yes it is a one fight deal, yes it is for a reported $15 million, but it was the reported manner of the activity that shocked everyone.
No face to face meeting, just a legal letter from Benn’s lawyer, Eddie Hearn was visibly gutted when the news broke.
Conor Benn was with Matchroom from debut, and their relationship was completely unique.
‘The Destroyer’ has improved significantly from the early days, and has been at the Matchroom gym with Tony Sims since debut.
When Benn failed tested positive for a banned substance in the build up to the first scheduled Eubank Jr fight in 2022, his stock and credibility diminished over night.
What ensued was a two and a half year legal battle to exonerate himself of any wrongdoing.
Hearn and Matchroom stuck by him, both verbally and financially, or so that’s what was portrayed.
It was something that Chris Eubank Jr used as leverage to insult Benn in the build up to their rescheduled fights.
Since the fallout, Eddie Hearn has stated on numerous occasions that Matchroom had lent him close to a million dollars throughout the process.
Benn, who has been widely radio silent in the aftermath, has had his say.
Speaking to Gary Neville on the Overlap, Benn stated:
“Matchroom for me have been a heavy part of my career, it was a bold move”.
“It’s not comfortable, it’s all I’ve ever known for ten years, they’re my home”.
“They’re my friends and my family”.
“I can hand on heart say it was the best decision for my family”.
When asked about Hearn’s claims over lending money for legal bills, Benn stated:
“No one paid my legal bills, he [Hearn] didn’t lend me a cent”.
“No one called up and checked to see if I had food on the table, I had to do that myself”.
The 29 year old returns to the ring on April 11 against Regis Prograis (30-3, 24ko’s) at a catchweight of 150lbs.
This is part of a process to move back down to welterweight to challenge for a world title in 2026.
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