These are the very first public comments that Conor Benn has made to the media since the move.
Conor Benn shocked the world when he joined Zuffa Boxing.
Previously associated with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom, Benn has switched and linked up with Dana White instead.
And the fallout has been seismic.
For those who haven’t been paying attention, Dana White and Eddie Hearn have been going back and forth in the media over the past few weeks.
The two powerhouse promoters have been at almost war-like levels of animosity as Zuffa Boxing look to make an impact in the sport.
Acquiring Conor Benn has given Zuffa Boxing and Dana White a major lift in that battle as a rather public victory over Eddie Hearn.
Immediately after the announcement was made on Friday night, Eddie Hearn and other Matchroom associated individuals were making their feelings known on the matter.
Hearn was openly devastated at the news that the fighter that he’d promoted for 10 years was leaving to join a rival.
Even individuals outside of the dynamics of the move were public with their comments.
Chris Eubank Jr, who has had two high profile bouts with Conor Benn, has been particularly vocal across his socials in the hours after the announcement.
One person who has been quiet this far has been the man himself – Conor Benn.
That has now changed.
In a world exclusive interview with Boxing King Media, Conor Benn has explained why he has made the move to Zuffa Boxing.
These are the very first public comments that Benn has made to the media since the move.
“Well, listen, it wasn’t an easy decision,” Benn said about leaving Matchroom and joining Zuffa Boxing.
“It was a decision that, you know, weighed heavy on me.
“But it was the best decision for me and my family. And ultimately it was an offer that I couldn’t turn down.
“I’m doing this for my family. It’s an offer that you’d be mentally ill to turn down.
“So for me, it’s I’m blessed to be in the position I’m in. I’m happy to be in the position I’m in.
“My career has taken again yet another turn in a direction I didn’t think it would turn into.
“But I want to maintain my relationship with Matchroom. Specifically Eddie Hearn, Frank Smith.
“So when it comes down to a decision that I need to make, whether it’s easy or not or whether it’s comfortable or not, it’s a decision that I had to make for me and my family in 10 years time, in 15 years time when I’m done and retired, will anybody care about me then?
“No. Nobody will. Right now I’m hot property.
“Right now I’m this, right now I’m that. In 10-15 years time, when my kids are 20, when it’s just me and my family sitting down somewhere quiet, is it going to matter?
“Is anyone going to care? No. Will another Conor then come along? Yes.
“So ultimately I have to make the right decision for my family and everything they’ve [Matchroom] done for me, I will forever be grateful, but not over my blood family”.
As part of the interview, Conor Benn also talks about his experiences so far with Dana White.
“He’s [Dana White] a cool, He’s a cool guy, number one.
“And you know, to see what he’s done with the UFC – you’ve got got to rate it and respect it and how he’s made it what it is today.
“You know he’s decided to get into boxing. You know he’s backed by some heavy people and it’s a pleasure to be a part of it”.
It’s quite clear from his comments that Conor Benn made a decision that he felt was right for his family first and foremost.
And that’s where his loyalties lies.
Whether you agree or disagree with his decision, ultimately you have to respect someone making a decision for the security of their loved ones future.
Conor Benn will be talked out a great deal for the next few days with people making up their own minds on his choice.
You can watch his full exclusive interview with Boxing King Media and see what you think on what he has to say.
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