Boxing
Zuffa’s $15 Million One-Time Risk – Conor Benn Has Everything to Lose
Published
7 months agoon
Conor Benn’s move to Zuffa Boxing carries a $15 million per-fight fee – a structure that leaves little margin for error in his first outing under the novel banner.
The deal is straightforward: one fight, one money, no long-term security.
This structure provides freedom, but at the same time concentrates significant risk.
The structure of money
Eight-figure purses in boxing are typically tied to multi-fight deals that provide promoters with options and long-term positioning. Extensions and renewals clauses typically protect your investment.
This arrangement seems different.
If Conor Benn achieves a convincing victory in his debut for Zuffa Boxing, his market position will immediately strengthen. It becomes a real centerpiece of Zuffa’s boxing expansion and a bridge between the British and American markets.
If it loses, there is no built-in obligation to rebuild it or extend the partnership.
The result of one evening will have a huge impact on the actions of both sides.
Early signals from Zuffa
Zuffa has already shown perceptible support.
Benn’s signing was promoted on WWE Monday Night Raw, a platform with a broad U.S. audience that is likely not well-versed in the British welterweight scene.
This exposure signals intent. This suggests that parent company TKO Group Holdings views Benn as part of a broader strategy rather than a short-term add-on.
With this visibility comes expectations. Being placed at a high level increases control as much as it increases opportunity.
A win confirms the move and maintains the negotiating power aligned with the fighter.
Any subsequent deal is likely to be underpinned by a powerful structure, with Benn retaining influence over direction, opponents and terms.
In this scenario, the single-fight model serves as a starter rather than a gamble.
Failure changes the equation
A loss wouldn’t ruin Benn’s career. However, this would change perception and reduce flexibility.
Without a long-term agreement, Zuffa would control the next step. Benn will have to reassess his options without the momentum of a successful debut.
In boxing, perception shapes value. Failure to make a successful first appearance affects both your commercial position and your negotiating power.
Circumscribed immediate alternatives
If Benn loses, a return to Matchroom seems unlikely given the public nature of the split.
Eddie Hearn admitted that he learned of Benn’s departure through legal channels rather than direct discussion. His father Barry Hearn described Benn as “classless” during an appearance on talkSPORT and questioned whether Matchroom should have supported him as strongly as they did after two failed drug tests.
There have been previous instances of mending relationships in boxing, but these remarks suggested a significant divide.
If Zuffa’s venture didn’t expand beyond a single fight, realistic alternatives would likely narrow to major U.S. operators like Golden Boy Promotions or Premier Boxing Champions.
In the UK, BOXXER could be an option. It’s less clear whether Frank Warren would take such a step, given his history of distancing his stable from prolonged controversy.
The opportunities will remain, but the control will change.
The margin is gaunt
Benn rebuilt commercial momentum with the high-profile events against Chris Eubank Jr., restoring his standing and earning power.
Zuffa’s debut has a different purpose. It’s about consolidating our position in the novel promotional structure.
A one-fight agreement creates an urgent need without a safety net. For Zuffa, it’s a calculated investment in performance and a test of whether Benn’s value will continue to grow.
Since there is no second chapter written in the contract, the outcome of one evening will determine what happens next.
About the author
Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.
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Boxing
Joshua vs Fury Confirmed for December 11 in Cardiff on Netflix
Published
2 hours agoon
September 24, 2026
Principality Stadium secures the British heavyweight fight, with a London press conference next week and the undercard to follow.
Anthony Joshua (30-4, 27 KOs) and Tyson Fury (36-2-1, 25 KOs) will fight at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Friday, December 11. Netflix will broadcast the full event exclusively after organizers secured a British venue for the heavyweights’ first professional meeting.
Turki Alalshikh announced the fight, and Joshua and Fury are scheduled to attend a London press conference next week. The supporting card will be announced later; no undercard opponents were named in the supplied announcement.
The December date replaces the November plan discussed earlier in negotiations. Wembley had been Joshua’s preferred destination, but Cardiff secured the event following talks over whether the fight would remain in Britain or move to the United States.
Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn insisted on a UK venue. His contract included that requirement, and their position held despite discussions involving New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
Dana White said: “For more than a decade, boxing fans have been clamoring for the heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Together, they bring 66 wins, 52 knockouts and multiple heavyweight world titles into the ring. On December 11, two of the biggest heavyweights of this generation finally collide and the winner will take a significant place in heavyweight history.”
Netflix to broadcast the full Cardiff card
Netflix’s preference for an evening American broadcast drove the push to stage the fight across the Atlantic. Madison Square Garden emerged as the leading US option before negotiations returned to Britain.
Cardiff keeps the contest on British soil, with a late opening bell expected to accommodate viewers in the United States.
The main event is expected around 1 a.m. UK timealthough the exact time has not been confirmed. If that schedule holds. A 1 a.m. GMT start would put the main event at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, December 11 for viewers on America’s east coast.
The fight is expected to take place beneath Principality Stadium’s retractable roof.
London press conference scheduled for next week
Alalshikh welcomed the agreement after months of negotiations over the event.
“Two of the best heavyweights of this generation, finally in the ring together. This will be one of the biggest fights in boxing history, I am very happy to make this fight happen for the fans,” he said.
Joshua and Fury previously signed a two-fight agreement in 2021. That booking collapsed after an arbitration ruling required Fury to face Deontay Wilder again.
Their December meeting now has a confirmed date, venue and broadcaster. Next week’s press conference will bring both fighters to London, with the remaining card and precise event timetable still to follow.

About the author
Boxing 24/7 Wire
Boxing247.com is an independent boxing news publication covering the sport since 2001. It provides original reporting, fight analysis, schedules, results, and informed coverage of major fighters and events worldwide, backed by more than 25 years of professional boxing journalism.
Boxing
Manny Pacquiao and Shakur Stevenson Discuss Potential Fight in Cardiff
Published
7 hours agoon
September 24, 2026
Manny Pacquiao against Shakur Stevenson remains under discussion for the proposed Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury card in Cardiff. It would give the event a second major fight, but neither Pacquiao nor Stevenson has received a bout agreement.
BoxingScene’s Lance Pugmire reports that two people connected to the talks say Netflix wants the matchup as part of a “double main event.” December 11 is the date under consideration at Principality Stadium, with December 18 also possible. Pacquiao adviser Jas Mathur told BoxingScene that Pacquiao’s financial terms are still being negotiated.
That leaves a great deal to settle before anyone can call this a fight. The Cardiff show itself has yet to be formally announced, and moving Joshua-Fury from the previously discussed Madison Square Garden setting means assembling the rest of the card around a different venue and date.
Pacquiao-Stevenson would bring two very different attractions to that card. Stevenson, 29, is coming off his January win over Teofimo Lopez and has since signed with Zuffa Boxing. Pacquiao, 47, drew with Mario Barrios in his July 2025 return. His name would draw attention far beyond the usual boxing audience, though the long layoff and age difference would become part of the conversation as soon as the fight was announced.
The proposed pairing also raises a practical question: what weight would they fight at? Pacquiao’s return came at welterweight, while Stevenson’s recent work has been at lighter weights. No weight, number of rounds, or title terms have been announced.
For now, the news is that Pacquiao-Stevenson has survived the reported switch to Cardiff and remains in Netflix’s plans, according to BoxingScene. The decisive development would be agreements reaching both fighters. Until then, it belongs on the list of fights being negotiated, rather than the Joshua-Fury undercard.
Pacquiao turns 48 on December 17. If the fight lands on December 18, Shakur would face him one day after his birthday. Pacquiao won his first world title in 1998, before Shakur turned two.
That age difference makes the matchup a hard sell as a competitive fight. If Shakur wins easily, how much credit does he get for beating a man nearly two decades older? If he boxes his way to a quiet decision, Pacquiao’s name may bring viewers to Netflix, but the fight may give them little reason to watch Shakur again.
Pacquiao’s fame can make this a major event. Turning it into a fight that helps Shakur is another matter. First, both men need to agree to terms; neither has received a bout agreement.
About the author
Boxing News 24 Desk
BoxingNews24.com has delivered independent boxing coverage since 2007, including original news, fight analysis, schedules, and results. Our experienced boxing writers cover major fighters and events worldwide, with published content reviewed by editors for accuracy.
Boxing
Teofimo Lopez Set to Defend World Title on Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua Undercard – Boxing News
Published
12 hours agoon
September 23, 2026
Teofimo Lopez has been offered a slot on the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua card, which is set to take place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on December 11.
‘The Takeover’ comes off a majority decision victory over Rolando Romero, who he dethroned last month after surviving a genuine scare in round five.
In reality, though, it was a far more convincing win than the scorecards suggested and, despite suffering a one-sided defeat to Shakur Stevenson in January, Lopez proved that he remains a highly-skilled operator at world level.
But while he has expressed an interest in unification matches at 147lbs, particularly one against WBC champion Ryan Garcia, the 29-year-old must first make a mandatory defence and retain his WBA title.
He has, in other words, been ordered to face Jack Catterallwho claimed his WBA ‘Regular’ title by producing arguably a career-best performance to unanimously outpoint Shakhram Giyasov in May.
Lopez, meanwhile, had attempted to swerve his mandatory duty and, according to boxing journalist Dan Rafaelis considering vacating his welterweight belt in pursuit of more lucrative opportunities.
If he is to proceed with the Catterall fight, however, then the three-division world champion could end up featuring on the expected Fury-Joshua card later this year.
Equally, Catterall has taken to social media and acknowledged that, as the champion, Lopez can choose to defend his title on home soil.
“Hey mate [Lopez]you fancy scrapping on the [Fury-Joshua] card? If not don’t worry, I’ll come to America and get my belt. Either way I’ll see you soon champ.”
Hey mate @TeofimoLopez you fancy scrapping on the fury aj card ? If not don’t worry I’ll come to America and get my belt. Either way I’ll see you soon champ 🤝 https://t.co/l6tDpimzE9
— Jack Catterall (@jack_catt93) September 22, 2026
According to WBA president Gilberto Mendoza, both parties have until October 22 to reach an agreement or risk a purse bid hearing being called.
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