Conor Benn's manager hits back at critics over Zuffa Boxing deal

MVP Boxing |  

Conor Benn’s allegiance switch from Matchroom Boxing to Zuffa Boxing caused a stir earlier this year.

In February, Benn was announced as the newest addition to Dana White‘s Zuffa Boxing. Many accused White of snatching the boxer from under the nose of his rival, Eddie Hearn, and made even darker accusations against Benn for his alleged lack of loyalty. The feud between White and Hearn has only escalated since, but Benn’s manager has explained exactly why the decision to move over was made.

Instead of prioritizing loyalty to fight promoters, Keith Connolly, Conor Benn’s manager, insisted that he’d unapologetically try to get the best possible deal for his fighter. That was the case with the Zuffa Boxing deal, which reportedly awarded Benn a contract 3-to-5 times larger than his Matchroom Boxing offer.

Speaking about the controversial switch, Connolly said:

“I don’t know what people expected me to do. Should I convince my guy to take 20 or 30% of the money to re-sign with somebody? If it’s Conor Benn, Eddie Hearn, or if it’s another fighter with Top Rank or PBC. I’m not going to do that.”

“My guy has life-changing money [on the table]. I am going to do the best possible thing to do for my fighter. And you’re going to p*ss people off. Maybe that’s the difference between me and a lot of managers. A lot of managers are cozy with promoters. I like to be friendly with promoters. I am friendly with certain promoters. But if anybody thinks I’m going to make the wrong decision for my fighter to keep my standing or my friendship with a promoter, they got it dead wrong. I’m not going to do that; I’m always going to do what’s best for the fighter. I love what I do, and I’m going to continue to do it.”