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.
UK Boxing
Re: Official Negotiating Order – Mandatory WBO Welterweight Championship – DevinHaney (champion) vs. Keyshawn Davis (#1 challenger)
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June 30, 2026
Re: Official Negotiation Order – Mandatory WBO Welterweight Championship Contest – Devin
Haney (champion) vs. Keyshawn Davis (#1 challenger)
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UPCOMING FIGHTS
JR. WEIGHT Championship
Bermudas
VS
Osorio
Osorio Won R
JR. AVERAGE WEIGHT Championship
Zayas
VS
Ennis
Ennis won R7
WEIGHT Championship
with Olascua
VS
Dominguez
R won
JR. BANTAM WEIGHT Championship
BANTAM WEIGHT Championship
Johnson
VS
Thorslund
R won
JR. INTERMEDIATE WEIGHT Championship
AVERAGE WEIGHT Championship
Robinson
VS
Thibeault
R won
JR. AVERAGE WEIGHT Championship
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The official record holder
Jaron Ennis is the bookmakers’ main favorite to defeat Xander Zayas in their highly anticipated world title clash on Saturday in Brooklyn.
Ennis challenges Zayas for the WBO and WBA super welterweight belts at the Barclays Center live on DAZN pay-per-view.
The undefeated resident of Philadelphia enters the game as the favorite on February 11 Bet365 give the 23-year-old his first professional defeat and become world champion in two weight categories.
“Boots” has stopped 31 of his 35 opponents, including Uisma Lima in his 154-pound debut in October, and is expected to stop the Puerto Rican on 20/21.
The 28-year-old last covered this distance in 2024, and a decision victory is valued at 13/2.
Even though Zayas has taken over as unified champion, he is an underdog Bet365 at 15/04.
Man from San Juan defeated Abass Baraou by split decision will add the WBA belt to his WBO crown in January and his best chance of victory is rated at 13/2 by decision, while success in the shock break is rated at 14/1.
Full Bet365 odds
The result of the fight
- Xander Zayas will win the fight: 15/4
- Xander Zayas by KO/TKO/DQ: 14/1
- Xander Zayas by decision or technical decision: 13/2
- Jaron Ennis will win the fight: 11/02
- Jaron Ennis by KO/TKO/DQ: 20/21
- Jaron Ennis by decision or technical: 8/5
- Draw or technical draw: 14/1
Round bets
Xander Zayas
- Win in round 1: 100/1
- Win in round 2: 100/1
- Win in round 3: 100/1
- Win in round 4: 100/1
- Win in round 5: 100/1
- To win in round 6: 100/1
- To win in round 7: 80/1
- To win in round 8: 80/1
- To win round 9: 66/1
- To win in round 10: 66/1
- To win round 11: 66/1
- To win in round 12: 80/1
- To win by decision or technical decision: 6/1
Jaron Ennis
- To win round 1: 80/1
- Win in round 2: 50/1
- Win in round 3: 40/1
- To win in round 4: 28/1
- To win in round 5: 20/1
- To win in round 6: 16/1
- Win in round 7: 12/12
- To win in round 8: 1/11
- To win in round 9: 10/1
- To win in round 10: 10/1
- To win in round 11: 10/1
- To win in round 12: 1/11
- Win by Decision or Technical Decision: 7/4
The post Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis – Odds and Betting Guide appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.
On Wednesday, Lewis Crocker heads to Australia to defend his IBF welterweight world title against Liam Paro for the first time.
Crocker will face Paro at the Pat Rafter Arena in Queensland, live on DAZN in the UK and Kayo Sports in Australia.
Crocker (22-0, 11 KO) became world champion in September, defeating Paddy Donovan twice before winning the rematch by split decision.
Man from Belfast recorded his second victory over Donovan after the first victory in March last year, and his rival was disqualified for hitting him after the bell.
Paro (27-1, 16 KO) is trying to become a world champion in two weight categories, having previously reigned in the super-lightweight division.
The 30-year-old won the title with a unanimous decision victory over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico before winning the belt in his first defense against Richardson Hitchins.
The Australian has since won twice, overtaking David Papot in his last appearance in September.
McKean meets Taliva
Heavyweight Demsey McKean will look to continue his rebuild when he faces Liam Talivaa for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific title.
McKean (24-2, 16 KO) had his career cut miniature after a last-round loss to Filip Hrgovic, followed by a brutal first-round loss to Moses Itauma.
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The 35-year-old southpaw returned to winning ways with back-to-back stoppage victories.
Talivaa (8-2, 4 KO) last won the IBF Oceania-Orient title, defeating Faiga Opelu by first-round stoppage.
Undercard remaining
At cruiserweight, Luke Modini (13-0, 11 KO) will likely need distance to beat Peng Qu (17-2-1, 12 KO), while Riley Candy (8-1, 5 KO) could stop Nathan Watson (11-3, 3 KO) at super middleweight.
Vegas Larfield (13-1, 9 KO) can hand Shamal Ram Anuj (11-8, 8 KO) his fourth defeat in a row in a featherweight clash.
Heavyweight Nelson Asofa-Solomon (2-0, 2 KO) can secure a third straight knockout over debutant George Burgess, and Stevan Ivic (8-0-1, 2 KO) can do the same against Caleb Tialu (3-7, 3 KO), also a heavyweight.
Prospective super welterweight fighter Jack Javed (1-0) should overtake Lance McDonald (1-5-1, 1 KO).
The post Lewis Crocker vs. Liam Paro – Gigantic Fight Preview and Predictions appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.
Roy Jones Jr Offers Candid Insight on Gervonta Davis vs Shakur Stevenson Super Fight
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