UK Boxing
Eddie Hearn blames himself for Conor Benn’s departure
Eddie Hearn claims he “misjudged” Conor Benn’s character after his prized acquisition dramatically left Matchroom to join Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.
Hearn has promoted Benn since his professional debut in 2016, but on Friday the 29-year-old made a surprise move announced the deal with Hearn’s fierce rival White.
The Matchroom chairman fiercely defended the welterweight star after two failed doping tests canceled his scheduled October 2022 clash with Chris Eubank Jr.
Benn tested positive twice for the banned substance Clomiphene, but was later cleared of any wrongdoing.
Last year, “The Destroyer” had two extremely lucrative fights with Eubank Jr., taking revenge on the Brighton fighter in November after losing to him for the first time in April.
Hearn blamed himself for not tying the Essex player to a long-term contract.
“Me personally [I’m] pretty devastated,” the 46-year-old said IFLTV.
“I blame myself because I forgot it was boxing.
“I just felt like the loyalty we showed would never, ever put us in this situation.
“I just felt like I never really had to pressure Conor Benn to sign a fresh contract.
“I made a mistake because I misjudged this character.”
According to Chris Mannix, Benn’s contract with Zuffa is reportedly for one fight and is worth eight figures.
The 29-year-old said he would still be willing to work with Hearn despite signing with his biggest competitor.
“First and foremost, I want to thank Eddie and the entire Matchroom team for everything they have done for me over the last decade,” he said in a statement.
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“From coaching me when I first turned pro to performing in stadiums.
“They were with me not only in the most essential moments, but also shoulder to shoulder in tough moments.
“It has been a journey beyond anything we could have imagined. For their belief, support and guidance, I will always be truly grateful, but Zuffa Boxing gave me an opportunity that I simply couldn’t refuse.
“I would love for Eddie to continue to be a part of my team and for our partnership to grow in this fresh chapter.
“I am full of excitement and hunger for what lies ahead for Zuffa Boxing.
“I want the established fights, the biggest nights, the biggest stages.
“I’m not afraid of anyone, regardless of weight, and I’m ready to give the fans the fights they’ve been asking for.
“I am in excellent shape and together we have bold, ambitious plans.”
Benn has trained with Tony Sims at Matchroom Gym throughout his professional career, but has spent the last few weeks training in Los Angeles.
Sims did not respond to messages left by proboxing-fans.com asking if he would continue to train Benn.
The post Eddie Hearn blames himself for Conor Benn’s departure appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.
Paddy Donovan secured another world title shot by winning his IBF welterweight title final eliminator by majority decision over Karen Chukhadzhian on Friday in Mannheim, Germany.
Donovan (15-2, 11 KO) defeated Chukhadzhian (26-4, 14 KO) in the sixth and eighth rounds and emerged victorious by the score of 115-113, 114-112, surpassing the drawn score of 113-113.
Donovan, after two defeats in a row to Lewis Crocker, decided to box the back of the foot from the beginning and fired several correct body shots in the first round.
Chukhadzhian is undefeated in two matches since his second defeat Jaron Ennis– he responded with several difficult shots in the second, and the left hand caught Donovan’s attention.
“The Real Deal” pushed the Ukrainian away with his left hand at the end of the third period, but the 30-year-old responded in the fourth round and continued to march forward, and at the end of the round with his right hand, which was his best achievement.
Donovan found his breakthrough in the sixth round, countering his opponent with a sturdy left hand.
Chukhadzhian stood up, looking more frustrated than hurt.
The Ukrainian fell again and scored eight, this time with a right hand, although he protested that it was due to a push.
The pair continued their wild ninth rally, with the Irishman landing a precise uppercut that earned Chukhadzhian’s approval.
Chukhadzhian traded with Donovan at close quarters over the final three rounds, with both men landing some solid combinations.
With Donovan fading and forced to fight back, the Ukrainian put his best foot forward in a compelling final round.
The first scorecard was 115-113 in Donovan’s favor and was met with a scorecard of 113-113.
The third score of 114-112 gave the Irishman the victory to leave Germany and sparked wild celebrations in the ring, including from the promoter Eddie Hearn.
Donovan, who was defeated by Crocker in September, called the Belfast fighter for a post-fight trilogy.
Crocker makes his first title defense against Liam Paro on June 24 in Australia.
Webb with Odiase KO
Emanuel Odiase won the vacant IBF European heavyweight title with a second-round knockout of Nick Webb.
After a close first round, Odiase (11-0, 9 KO) hit Webb (19-4, 15 KO), and the attack with two punches knocked him to the deck, and the Briton failed to defeat the count.
Kadiru dismisses Gashi
In a tender heavyweight fight, Peter Kadiru defeated veteran Senad Gashi (34-5, 32 KO).
The scores of 96-94, 98-92 and 97-93 ensured the victory for Kadir (23-1, 13 KO).
Undercard remaining
Cameroonian heavyweight Nelvie Tiafack (4-0, 3 KO) remained undefeated, going the distance for the first time in his career with a unanimous decision over Mateus Munhoz Da Penha (7-3-2, 3 KO).
Elsewhere in the heavyweight division, Viktor Jurk (14-0, 12 KO) knocked out Edwin Castillo (13-3, 8 KO) in the first few seconds of the fight.
Alexander Okafor (4-0, 2 KO) defeated Elija Uelkueseven (8-1, 6 KO) and thanks to a split decision won the fight for the title of the German BDB cruiserweight champion.
WAS THIS THE FASTEST Knockout In The World?!?!
#ChukhajianDonovan | Live NOW on DAZN
pic.twitter.com/nkAXTK8iP0
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 15, 2026
Prospective cruiserweight Edmon Avagyan (1-0, 1 KO) made a successful professional debut, defeating Patrik Fiala (13-8-2, 8 KO) in the third round.
The IBF European lightweight title remained in the hands of Devrim Goekduman (13-0-1, 8 KO), although his fight with Franklyn Dwomoh (9-0-1, 2 KO) ended in a split draw after a pulsating 10 rounds.
Middleweight prospect Oluwole Jan Ciosek (5-0, 2 KO) remained undefeated after a unanimous decision victory over Shae Green (9-2-1, 2 KO)
The post Karen Chukhadzhian vs Paddy Donovan – results and post-fight report appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.
Dave Allen weighed slightly more than Filip Hrgovic ahead of Saturday’s heavyweight clash in Doncaster.
Allen will face Hrgovic at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster, live on DAZN.
The popular Doncaster competitor weighed 248.8lb, four ounces more than his rival who weighed 248.4lb.
After their last face-to-face meeting, the pair rushed to the cameras, with both men trying to face each other to gain one last psychological advantage.
Allen weighed more than 10 pounds less than the 259.1 pounds he faced defeat by Arslanbek Makhmnudov in October.
The 34-year-old is clearly the underdog in the bookmakers’ eyes, but he has promised to cause a solemn stir.
“He’s a great fighter, but I’m not afraid of him,” he said.
“I didn’t care about Filip Hrgovic.
“On paper I shouldn’t even be in the ring with him, but I feel like it’s going to be a special night at Donny’s tomorrow.
“I will experience one of the biggest disappointments in the history of British boxing.”
Hrgovic, who is being lined up for summer clash with Moses Itauma had he emerged victorious, he would have tipped the scales by over seven pounds more than he weighed in the wake of his August win over David Adeleye.
The Croatian, two wins since his only professional loss to Daniel Dubois, said Allen’s fans would not facilitate him in his fight for the IBF Intercontinental title.
“We’ll see tomorrow,” said the 33-year-old.
“Let’s get down to business.
“I’ve been training tough. I can’t wait.
“It’s just me and him in the ring. It won’t facilitate him [the home support]”
Undercard scales
Michael Gomez Jr vs Lee McGregor – lightweight – 10 rounds
- Michael Gomez Jr – 134.10 pounds
- Lee McGregor – 134.11 pounds
Louie O’Doherty vs Ahmed Hatim – British and Commonwealth lightweight titles – 10 rounds
- Louie O’Doherty – 134.11 pounds
- Ahmed Hatim – 134.9 pounds
Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev vs Alexis Torres – welterweight – 6 rounds
- Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev – £150.11
- Alexis Torres – 144.12 pounds
INTENSE clash between Michael Gomez Jr and Lee McGregor
#AllenHrgovic | Saturday | Doncaster EcoPower Stadium | @daznboxing pic.twitter.com/4fq78KDmEv
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) May 15, 2026
Joe Hayden vs. Ryan Frost – welterweight – 6 rounds
- Joe Hayden – 148.6 pounds
- Ryan Frost – 149.14 pounds
Carl Fail vs. Luis Montelongo – super welterweight – 10 rounds
- Carl Fail – 155.1 lbs
- Luis Montelongo – 158.5 pounds
Kian Hamilton vs Les Urry – super lightweight – 4 rounds
- Kian Hamilton – 137.3 pounds
- Les Urry – 136.2 lbs
John Tom Varey vs Stephen Jackson – super fly – 4 rounds
- John Tom Varey – 117.13 pounds
- Stephen Jackson – 117.15 pounds
The post Dave Allen vs. Filip Hrgovic – weigh-in results appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.
UK Boxing
Tyson Fury’s family dispute breaks out just hours before his 16-year-old daughter’s wedding
Venezuela Fury and Noah Price will get married next weekend (Photo: Instagram: @venezuelafuryofficial)
Tyson Fury’s 16-year-old daughter Venezuela is set to marry her partner Noah Price this weekend, although the couple’s special day risks being overshadowed by the bitter rift that has torn through her family. The teenager, the eldest daughter of the two-time heavyweight boxing champion, became engaged to 19-year-old Noah last year on her 16th birthday.
The couple is scheduled to exchange vows on Saturday, and Venezuela enthusiastically documented their final wedding preparations for their social media followers earlier this week. However, preparations for the ceremony did not go smoothly as her father, Tyson, and grandfather, John, had a major argument earlier this year, with the latter expressing his concerns about his granddaughter getting married at such a teenage age.
In a veiled warning to Venezuela, the outspoken 60-year-old revealed he was surprised by the news of her engagement before sharing his worries about Tyson and his younger son, Tommy, during an appearance on a recently broadcast program Netflix series At Home with the Furies.
While Tyson defended amateur boxer Noah as a “decent guy”, an furious John questioned whether his granddaughter should be getting married at such a teenage age.
“These are children!” – he said. “I don’t think she’s mature enough for something like this – she’s still a child. A 15-year-old under my care should never have a boyfriend, ever.”
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While the decision to allow their daughter to marry at the age of 16 has sparked public debate, the Furys have stood by her, with her mother Paris recently telling This Morning that the teenager is “so mature for her age”.
“She’s done so much in such a tiny amount of time just because of who she is and the fact that she has six younger siblings that she helped raise, I can’t deny that,” Paris said.
“I can’t say no to her because I got engaged when I was 17. She’s clearly following in my footsteps, so how can I judge her in any way.
“I know she’s teenage. But I think she’s found the person she loves and if she’s joyful, I’ll support her completely.”
Venezuela Fury with mom Paris. (Photo: Getty Images)
It is unclear whether John will attend Saturday’s wedding, having refused to attend Tyson’s fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov last month after revealing the pair were no longer on speaking terms.
John revealed that his once close bond with his son had been “totally destroyed” by boxing, even going so far as to refuse to watch “The Gypsy King” return to the ring.
A major factor in the rift was Tyson’s decision to come out of retirement for a fifth time and face Makhmudov, with the boxer admitting that his father had urged him to hang up the gloves six years ago after his first victory over Deontay Wilder.
“I think he’s concerned,” Tyson told Good Morning Britain. “When it comes to your children, when they are your close relatives or whatever, I think you worry a lot about that person.
“He has his own opinion and he doesn’t want me to do it – he never wanted me to do it in the last six years.”
Asked if his father would attend his fight with Makhmudov, Tyson replied: “Possibly. But he didn’t come to the Usyk II fight, so I’m not holding my breath.
“My dad will do what my dad will do. He’s his own man and there’s nothing I can do about it. If he shows up, it’ll be great, and if he doesn’t, that’s great too.”
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