Eddie Hearn has claimed that Conor Benn rejected three world title opportunities before signing with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.
Benn left Matchroom after his two fights with Chris Eubank Jr., then made his Zuffa debut against Regis Prograis at a 150lb catchweight. The 29-year-old won a dominant 10-round points decision on the Fury vs. Makhmudov undercard and has since agreed a multi-fight deal with the new promotional company.
According to Hearn, Benn was offered fights with Lewis Crocker, Rolando Romero and Josh Kelly while still connected to Matchroom. Hearn said he viewed Crocker vs. Benn at the O2 Arena as a strong world title opportunity, but Benn showed little interest and later raised concerns around the IBF’s rehydration policy.
Hearn also said a fight with Romero had been agreed through Luis DeCubas, only for Benn to dismiss it as not big enough. He then floated a Stadium of Light clash with IBF super welterweight champion Josh Kelly, which Benn also rejected.
“I think he knows his limitations," Hearn said, suggesting Benn is now looking for the biggest possible financial opportunity rather than smaller-risk title fights.
Benn remains the WBC’s leading contender at welterweight and is expected to target a fight with Ryan Garcia later this year, despite not having fought at 147lbs since stopping Chris van Heerden in 2022.
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