Eddie Hearn has claimed that Conor Benn rejected three world title opportunities before inking a deal with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.
It was announced in February that ‘The Destroyer’ had signed a one-fight agreement with the new promotional outfit, ending his working relationship with Matchroom Boxing.
This followed his successful revenge mission against Chris Eubank Jr in November, while their first encounter ended in a unanimous decision defeat earlier last year.
After fighting at middleweight – with a 10lb rehydration clause – on both occasions, Benn then decided to face Regis Prograis at a catchweight of 150lbs.
Featuring on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov last month, the 29-year-old claimed a dominant 10-round points victory over the since-retired former two-time world champion.
This was his first outing since signing with Zuffa, who have subsequently tied him down to a multi-fight deal. The plan, it seems, is for Benn to face WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia later this year, given that he remains the sanctioning body’s leading contender at 147lbs.
According to Hearn, though, the Ilford man declined fights against Lewis Crocker, Rolando Romero and Josh Kelly while still aligned with his promotional banner.
During a media huddle with Boxing News, the Matchroom promoter explained that each suggestion was met with little interest.
“When Lewis Crocker won the world [welterweight] title, I was like, ‘Oh my God – Crocker v Benn at the O2 [Arena] for the world title!’
“I went to Conor and he was like, ‘Nah, I don’t want that fight’. Then he eventually started talking about the [IBF’s 10lb] rehydration [policy] and all that kind of stuff.
“So then I was like, ‘Rolly Romero’ – we had that fight done with [Romero’s manager] Luis DeCubas. Benn was like, ‘It’s not a very big fight’. I’m like, ‘Mate, you’re getting a [WBA] world [welterweight] title fight in London. I think you can beat Rolly Romero.
“What about [IBF super-welterweight champion] Josh Kelly at [Sunderland’s] Stadium of Light?’ [Benn said:] ‘I ain’t fighting f***ing Josh Kelly’.
“I think he knows his limitations, so why would you get beat for small money when you can get beat for bigger money?”
Indeed, Benn is yet to prove himself at world level and, despite his WBC ranking, has not fought at 147lbs since his second-round finish over Chris van Heerden in 2022.