Eddie Hearn has voiced his bewilderment regarding the absence of Dana White and any senior officials from Zuffa Boxing at the recent fight where Conor Benn triumphed over Regis Prograis.
Following his win against Prograis, Conor Benn confirmed his status as a free agent. His agreement with Zuffa Boxing was a single-fight contract, reportedly valued at $15 million for his participation in the co-main event of the Netflix-broadcast card headlined by Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov. Although Benn is no longer with Zuffa Boxing, it is anticipated that the promotion will offer him a long-term contract in the near future.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, a prominent rival of Dana White, was present in the front row at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to witness Conor Benn’s victory over Regis Prograis, a fight that reportedly earned Benn $15 million for a 10-round decision win.
Hearn found it unusual that, given such a substantial financial commitment, no representatives from Zuffa Boxing were present to observe “The Destroyer” in action. Addressing Ariel Helwani, Hearn commented:
“I was quite surprised that you’d make that unbelievable investment and not even turn up… You must have some serious money if you’re just willing to spunk 15 million up the wall in a 10-round fight, and not even send anybody to sort of try and secure that deal post the one-fight deal. Quite astonishing.”
In contrast, Dana White was present ringside at UFC 327 in Miami, where he was observed escorting and later seated with U.S. President Donald Trump. White opted to remain in Miami for the UFC event rather than travel to London for the bout between Conor Benn and Regis Prograis.
Eddie Hearn Criticizes Dana White’s Absence Despite Significant Investment in Conor Benn’s Fight
Eddie Hearn has expressed his surprise that Dana White and other high-ranking officials from Zuffa Boxing were not in attendance for Conor Benn’s recent victory over Regis Prograis, especially considering the reported $15 million investment for the single fight. Benn, now a free agent, had a one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing.
Hearn, a rival promoter, observed the fight and questioned the decision not to have Zuffa Boxing representatives present, especially given the substantial financial outlay. He remarked on the significant capital required to invest $15 million in a single 10-round bout without even sending anyone to potentially secure a future deal, calling the situation “quite astonishing.”
Meanwhile, Dana White was attending UFC 327 in Miami, where he was seen with U.S. President Donald Trump, choosing to remain in the United States instead of traveling to London for Benn’s fight.
Eddie Hearn Slams Dana White For Skipping Conor Benn Fight Despite “Unbelievable Investment”
Eddie Hearn has questioned why Dana White and any senior Zuffa Boxing officials were absent this past weekend when Conor Benn defeated Regis Prograis. Following his victory, Benn confirmed he is now a free agent, having had a one-fight agreement with Zuffa Boxing worth an estimated $15 million for his appearance on the Netflix-streamed card headlined by Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov. Despite this, Zuffa Boxing is expected to offer Benn a long-term contract soon.
Hearn, a rival promoter, witnessed Benn’s 10-round decision win and expressed surprise at the lack of presence from Zuffa Boxing, given the considerable investment. He told Ariel Helwani:
“I was quite surprised that you’d make that unbelievable investment and not even turn up… You must have some serious money if you’re just willing to spunk 15 million up the wall in a 10-round fight, and not even send anybody to sort of try and secure that deal post the one-fight deal. Quite astonishing.”
Dana White, meanwhile, was at UFC 327 in Miami, alongside U.S. President Donald Trump, rather than attending Benn’s fight in London.
