Kimi Antonelli Proves Heâs The Real Deal At The 2026 Miami Grand Prix
Andrea Kimi Antonelli claims victory at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix!
Eddie Hearn claims Conor Benn declined three title fights before leaving Matchroom for Zuffa Boxing. Benn has since fought once, winning against Regis Prograis in April.
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Eddie Hearn has claimed that Conor Benn turned down three world-title fights against different opponents before leaving Matchroom earlier this year.
In February, Benn was involved in a shock split from Hearnâs promotional company Matchroom, signing with rivals Zuffa Boxing â despite Hearnâs apparent loyalty to the British star during a two-year saga that began with Benn failing two drug tests.
Benn has since fought once, outpointing Regis Prograis in a catchweight bout in April, though he is expected to drop back down to his natural division of welterweight next, having traded middleweight wins with rival Chris Eubank Jr in 2025.
Eddie Hearn (left) and Conor Benn in April 2025 (Getty)
It is unclear whom the 29-year-old will face, although he has repeatedly targeted big names from the US. And now, Hearn has offered a potential explanation for that approach.
Speaking to various outlets, including Boxing News, Hearn said: âWhen Lewis Crocker won the world [IBF welterweight] title, I was like: âOh, my God. Crocker vs Benn at the O2 [Arena] for the world title!â
âI went to Conor and he was like: âNah, I donât want that fightâ. Then he eventually started talking about the [IBFâs 10lb] rehydration [policy] and all that kind of stuff.
âSo, then I was like âRolly Romeroâ. We had that fight done with [Romeroâs manager] Luis DeCubas. Benn was like: âItâs not a very big fight.â Iâm like: âMate, youâre getting a [WBA] world-title fight in London. I think you can beat Rolly Romero.â
Conor Benn left Matchroom for Zuffa Boxing after a long saga involving failed drug tests and reportedly turned down three title fights.
Eddie Hearn did not specify the opponents for the three title fights that Conor Benn turned down before his departure from Matchroom.
After leaving Matchroom, Conor Benn fought and defeated Regis Prograis in a catchweight bout in April.
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ââWhat about [IBF super-welterweight champion] Josh Kelly at the Stadium of Light?â [Benn said:] âI ainât fighting f***ing Josh Kelly.â
âI think he knows his limitations, so why would you get beat for small money when you can get beat for bigger money?â
The Independent has approached Benn for comment.
Benn hurt Regis Prograis badly on one occasion but could not find a finish (Getty)
Prior to a points loss to Eubank Jr last April, Benn was unbeaten as a professional. He avenged that loss in November, as the pair returned to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, dropping Eubank Jr en route to a decision win.
Following Bennâs shock move to Zuffa, he was expected to be paired with a big-name opponent, given reports of Zuffa paying him $15m for one fight.
And while Prograis is a former world champion, he did not bring the profile that some fans expected, nor was he fighting at his natural weight or in his prime.
Furthermore, the American â who ventured up in weight to box Benn â carried an injury into his fight with the Briton, who outpointed the 37-year-old in Tottenham. Prograis then retired in the aftermath.