Many criticized Zuffa Boxing for paying a one-fight deal worth $15M to Conor Benn for what we ultimately were delivered in an underwhelming show against Regis Prograis, but Zuffa is apparently all-in. Today, during a segment on ESPN, Dana White and Conor Benn appeared and White confirmed that he’s officially resigned Benn through 2028.
“Conor Benn, we signed a one fight deal with him and now we just signed a two-and-a-half year, five-fight deal with him to stay with Zuffa Boxing,” White announced
to ESPN.
Benn would later be asked about what fights he’ll be seeking out under this ongoing business relationship, and responded that he still intends to pursue a WBC world title.
“We’re going to try to make the WBC world title. I’m mandatory for that shot, I’ve worked hard to get to that shot,” Benn said. “But ultimately I’m not short of options. I’ve got plenty of fighters calling me out so we’ll see what’s there. Whatever fight the public want, they can get.”
With the attention turned back to White, he was asked what has been his biggest lesson that he’s learned so far in this business.
“That this sport is even more broken than I thought it was,” White responded.
That might give some credence to those who believed his operation couldn’t just abandon the existing sanctioning bodies, as evidence by his shifting stances on that subject and a clear declaration from Benn that he still wants to pursue his path with the WBC. But White had more grievances to share.
“Every time you watch a boxing match it’s like a going out of business sale,” White continued about why he says boxing is a rinky-dink business that’s difficult to work in. “They’re trying to grab up as much money as they can and then they run away and hide for two years and then they pop up again and put on another fight. I’ve already done more fights this year, in my first year, than all the promoters combined.”
You can watch the full announcement in the video link at the top. And, yes, you can also expect Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn to have something to say in response.
