Benn’s departure surprised many within the business. The 29-year-old has reportedly secured a one-fight deal worth around $15 million with the new promotional venture led by Dana White. Hearn said he was given just three days to match the offer, a window he described as commercially unrealistic.
The Matchroom promoter explained that another part of the conversation left him stunned.
“There was something else that was, ‘We’ll give you a few quid if you don’t say anything bad’ kind of thing,” Hearn said while speaking to iFL TV.
“And I was like, ‘What?’ “We still want to work with you and here are a few pounds.”
Hearn said the proposal was circulated internally within Matchroom before any response was considered.
“I received it and it went to Frank Smith and Shaun Palmer,” Hearn said. “And then we’re all straight up like, ‘Did you see that? Are they laughing?’ Everyone was just completely shocked.”
The split ended a long partnership. Hearn promoted Benn from his professional debut at 19 and led his rise through the welterweight ranks to major headline fights.
Hearn also expressed frustration with how the communications unfolded once the negotiations began to shift. According to him, the first formal notification of Benn’s move came through legal channels rather than a direct conversation with the fighter.
“I text Conor maybe four or five days later and say, ‘I really think we should have a call,'” Hearn said. “For everything I’ve done for you, I don’t think it’s fair that I have to deal with a letter from your lawyer.”
Despite the disagreement, Hearn said his objection isn’t about Benn wanting a bigger payday.
“To be honest, I think people get it mixed up,” Hearn said. “A fighter should not be denied the chance to make a lot of money for their family. I couldn’t agree more. It’s not about that.”
Benn’s move puts him under the Zuffa Boxing banner as the new promotion begins building its roster. His next fight is scheduled for April 11 in a 150-pound featherweight bout against former junior welterweight champion Regis Prograis.
The match will put Benn back in the ring under new promotional leadership, while the fallout from his split with Matchroom continues to generate discussion around the business side of the sport.
