Conor Benn Signs $15M Zuffa Deal
Conor Benn signed a one-fight deal worth $15 million with Zuffa Boxing, described as a "life-altering sum" compared to his previous career earnings. Eddie Hearn, Benn's longtime promoter, expressed public disappointment over the move, citing loyalty concerns after years of support during Benn's drug testing controversies. The deal was orchestrated by Dana White with funding linked to Riyadh Season.
- The controversy involved two failed drug tests in 2022 for clomiphene, a female fertility drug known to boost testosterone in men. The World Boxing Council later ruled that a "highly-elevated consumption of eggs" was a reasonable explanation for the adverse findings. - During the ensuing legal battle and suspension, Eddie Hearn reportedly loaned Conor Benn hundreds of thousands of pounds to assist with legal fees and expenses. Barry Hearn, Eddie's father and the founder of Matchroom Boxing, called Benn's departure without a direct conversation "classless" and the "most horrible, outrageous" situation in his 50 years of promoting. - Before his high-profile fights against Chris Eubank Jr., Benn's purses were estimated to be between £500,000 and £1 million per bout. His earnings for the two Eubank Jr. fights were approximately £8 million ($10 million) each. - Zuffa Boxing is a new promotional company formed by a partnership between TKO Group (the parent company of UFC and WWE) and Sela, a Saudi Arabian entertainment company central to Riyadh Season. - The one-fight structure of the deal allows Benn to earn the career-high payday and then immediately become a free agent, able to negotiate with any promoter for his subsequent fights. - Benn, who has a professional record of 24 wins and 1 loss, is one of the first major British fighters to sign with the new promotion. - Other notable fighters signed by Zuffa Boxing as it builds its roster include former world champions like Jose Valenzuela and Radzhab Butaev, as well as IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia.
