Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn took another jab at UFC CEO Dana White over White’s notable absence from Conor Benn’s recent bout.
Recent Zuffa Boxing signee Conor Benn defeated Regis Prograis by unanimous decision last Saturday in London. It continued what’s been a stellar last six months for Benn, including a rematch win over Chris Eubank Jr. and signing a $15 million deal with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.
Benn’s deal with Zuffa Boxing added a new chapter to the budding feud between White and Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn. The two colorful personalities have traded barbs for months, and a potential boxing match between them has been proposed by both sides.
As Benn got his hand raised against Prograis, White was in Miami for UFC 327, featuring Carlos Ulberg’s come-from-behind win over Jiri Prochazka. Hearn, Benn’s former promoter and longtime business partner, scolded White and Zuffa Boxing for not being represented in Benn’s corner during fight week.
Eddie Hearn scolds Dana White for ‘not showing up’ for Conor Benn’s win
In a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Hearn reacted to White’s no-show at the event.
“I was quite surprised that you’d make that unbelievable investment, and not even turn up,” Hearn said of White.
“Obviously, I know he has his UFC events as well, but I didn’t see any senior executive from Zuffa at the fight, in the changing room, and it’s a pretty significant investment. You must have some serious money if you’re just willing to spunk $15 million up the wall in a 10-round fight, and not even send anybody to sort of try and secure that deal [after] the one-fight deal.
“Quite astonishing, they must be very confident they can carry on that agreement.”
Benn’s targeted return date and opponent for his one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing have yet to be announced. In the meantime, tensions continue to skyrocket between White and Hearn as one of boxing’s biggest rivalries enters a new chapter.
What are your expectations for Zuffa Boxing’s future? Let us know in the comments!