Benn's Zuffa move not made 'the right way' – Conlan
Belfast's Michael Conlan feels that while Conor Benn may have done what was right for him when making the shock move to Zuffa Boxing, "it doesn't seem he went about it the right way".
Friday's announcement that Benn had chosen Dana White's fledgling boxing promotion over renewing with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom sent shockwaves through the sport.
Benn began his professional career with Hearn and has boxed all 25 of his contests under the Matchroom banner, including last November's rematch victory over long-time rival Chris Eubank Jr, but in a stunning move, opted to part ways with Hearn.
However, a planned first fight with Eubank in 2022 was cancelled just days out after Benn failed a voluntary drugs test – twice testing positive for the banned substance Clomifene – with Hearn consistently protesting the fighter's innocence.
Many in boxing felt that alone would ensure their working relationship would continue, but Benn's decision to team-up with White – a rival of Hearn – added to the surprise, as did Hearn's claim the 29-year-old was unwilling to take a call to discuss the situation.
While boxers making changes in promotion, management and coaching is nothing new, Conlan was nonetheless "surprised because of how much Hearn backed him".
"I think he was wrong to do it but then he is getting paid stupid money, so fair play to him," Conlan told BBC Sport NI.
"Do I really care about it? No. But am I surprised? Yes.
"If he had the call and Hearn matched it or got close to it (Zuffa offer) then you think 'maybe you shouldn't have done that'.
"You see fighters leave coaches and I've left a few for my own reasons to get the best from myself. You have to do what's best for you and if it is the best thing for Benn to go and make a lot of money for him and his kids, fair play, but there are ways to go about things and it doesn't seem he went about it the right way."
'If you want loyalty, buy a dog' – Sauerland
Kalle Sauerland, in Belfast to promote Conlan's featherweight clash with Kevin Walsh on 20 March at the SSE Arena, was Eubank's promoter for that cancelled fight in 2022 and admits to "mistakes" when trying to force the fight through before the British Boxing Board of Control ultimately pulled the plug.
While he was also surprised to see Benn make the move considering the united front he saw from the fighter and Hearn during that period, the long-time promoter is also savvy enough to know the game and
"What I saw then (in 2022) was a team (Benn's) that really stuck together," Sauerland said.
"I'm not buying into the whole loyalty thing as growing up, we always had Sunday lunches with guests and one was Mickey Duff, a top promoter in the '70s and '80s and he always would say 'if you want loyalty, buy a dog'.
"Is it about loyalty because he's taken a higher offer? He's only got one career, so I understand it from that position.
"I know this won't be an easy pill for Eddie and although I'm not buying all the spin about the money lent (to Benn) because you do have a pre-payment to a fighter for his purse, what I do buy is the emotional aspect to it as I've been there before."
Zuffa Boxing, rebranded from TKO Boxing in 2025, is led by UFC chief White with backing from the Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, Turki Alalshikh.
It intends to crown its own champions, using The Ring Magazine rankings to determine top contenders, and bypass the traditional sanctioning bodies.
Benn's capture follows that of cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia as the company rapidly builds its roster and while some eyebrows have been raised and feathers ruffled, Sauerland is not hitting the panic button.
"Zuffa, they haven't said themselves what they are so I can only judge it when I see it.
"The idea of a league in boxing in America may have something to it as it maybe needs a format and shot in the arm.
"We've seen a massive show with 'Canelo' (Saul Alvarez)-Terence Crawford (promoted) by White and the Saudis, so how does that all fit in?
"I was always brought up to believe competition in boxing is a good thing as it brings more eyes, money and broadcasters to the sport."
