Cartola admits to being 'devastated' by losing star player to Dana White and declares war.

Hearn at a boxing event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/EddieHearn

Last Friday (20), Eddie Hearn suffered a hard blow. Conor Benn, one of the best boxers of today and a leading name in Matchroom Boxing, signed a multimillion dollar contract with Zuffa Boxing, a company led by Dana White. After losing one of his stars, the executive, sincerely, confessed that he was surprised.

In an interview with the YouTube channel 'iFL TV', Hearn revealed that he was upset to see Benn turn his back on his company, ignoring their long-standing and successful partnership in the sport. It's worth noting that the UFC president had previously downplayed Benn's entry into boxing and made light of his new organization. In response, Dana White also provoked him and, incidentally, signed the English star.

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Because of his close relationship with the fighter, the UFC president admitted that he expected a different attitude from him and indicated that the UFC leader and Sheikh Turki Al-Sheikh, a friend and business partner of his, convinced him otherwise. Therefore, despite acknowledging the momentary defeat, Hearn guarantees that he will get revenge on the pair, declaring war in boxing.

“I already knew what was happening a few days ago. I received an email from his lawyer informing me of what happened. I have to be honest, I'm quite devastated. It's not every day that you're shocked and it's my fault. I forgot that this is boxing.”, said the official.

“I thought the loyalty we’ve shown would never put us in this situation. I thought I’d never need to pressure Benn into signing a new contract before. I probably could have convinced him to sign. I made a mistake because I misjudged his character.”

“Right now, I’m processing everything, kind of numb. Benn was used as a pawn, but it’s part of the game. It has nothing to do with my comments. It’s all part of the game. Obviously, Turki, Dana, and everyone else. But, as I said, this will be a long war.”, he concluded.

Benn's fighters in boxing

Conor Benn, 29, is a boxing star. The Englishman began his career in the sport in 2016, winning 24 fights and losing only once, avenging his only defeat. His main triumph was precisely against Chris Eubank Jr.