Eddie Hearn says Conor Benn selected cash over a world title and described his upcoming struggle with Regis Prograis as “treading water” reasonably than title development.
The Matchroom boss made the feedback days into the fallout from Benn’s shock transfer to Zuffa Boxing, a shift that altered the trajectory of his quick title path.
Hearn on Benn vs Prograis
Talking to Battle Hub TV, Benn’s former promoter admitted the competition was not one he would have made, revealing that a number of title-path choices had beforehand been into account.
“Not the kind of struggle that I’d have put Conor in as a result of I used to be in search of the large fights and I would like him to change into a world champion,” Hearn stated.
“We had two fights there for him, or three fights, that may have given him the chance to be world champion. However he wasn’t actually thinking about these as a result of he simply wished essentially the most sum of money — and I get that.”
Hearn stopped in need of criticizing Benn’s alternative outright, acknowledging the monetary attraction. Nevertheless, he made clear that the route shifted away from what he seen as a structured route towards championship rivalry.
“Treading Water” Relatively Than Advancing
Hearn prompt the Prograis bout serves extra as upkeep than momentum.
“The Regis struggle’s an fascinating one, a pleasant run out,” he added. “However Conor will likely be a lot too younger and contemporary for him, so yeah, I assume it’s a treading water struggle for what’s subsequent.”
The comment displays a broader distinction in method. Underneath Hearn’s steerage, Benn had been positioned towards world-level alternatives reasonably than standalone assignments.
Hearn additionally referenced Prograis’ latest type following his struggle with JoJo Diaz, noting indicators that the previous champion could also be getting into the latter phases of his profession.
Whereas sustaining respect for Prograis’ pedigree, the implication was that Benn’s youth and freshness may show decisive.
Placement and Purse Questions
Hearn admitted shock at seeing Benn positioned beneath the headline act on the cardboard and prompt the reported purse hooked up to the struggle had raised questions.
“It doesn’t actually make sense to lots of people,” he stated. “I didn’t count on to see him on an undercard. But when he’s getting his cash, good luck to him.”
Benn’s departure from Matchroom ended a decade-long promotional relationship.
Hearn’s feedback underline the distinction between a title-focused development and a commercially pushed determination.
Whether or not the Prograis struggle turns into a stepping stone or a holding sample will in the end be determined within the ring.
In regards to the Creator
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing Information (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of expertise. He has interviewed world champions, damaged worldwide exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Learn full bio.
