his provisional suspension was lifted<\/a> in November 2024.<\/p>\nHe has since fought Chris Eubank Jr in two blockbuster bouts – losing the first fight but winning the second – and he said his recent experiences had played a part in his decision. <\/p>\n
“Any fight could be your last fight,” said Benn. “And, after the three years I’ve had, I promised myself I would never be in a position again where I have to feel the way I felt.<\/p>\n
“It all fell on me. No-one paid my legal bills. He [Hearn] didn’t lend me a cent. I paid the legal bills 100% myself.<\/p>\n
“That three years taught me what I know now. No-one’s there to cover me or my family – I am.”<\/p>\n
Benn has won 24 of his 25 professional bouts, with his only loss coming in the first fight against Eubank Jr.<\/p>\n
He acknowledges he “wouldn’t be around today without Matchroom and what they’ve done and guided me”.<\/p>\n
“Of course I’ve spoken to him [Hearn],” Benn told BBC Sport. “It is what it is, it’s business and that’s all it is. <\/p>\n
“I’ll always have a friendship with Eddie. Whether he reciprocates that or not is entirely up to him.<\/p>\n
“I’m not in this sport to make enemies. I’m here to do the best by my family and give my family the best life possible.<\/p>\n
“Also, I’m excited about this journey in my career. It’s a new chapter.<\/p>\n
“I’m paying in blood. This is violent money. This isn’t easy, so I’ve made the right decision.”<\/p>\n
Zuffa Boxing is backed by UFC chief Dana White and Saudi Arabian capital.<\/p>\n
White’s ultimate aim is to sideline the four traditional sanctioning bodies – the WBO, WBC, IBF and WBA – and make Zuffa’s belt the premier world title alongside the Ring Magazine title, an organisation owned by Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh.<\/p>\n
Benn said his move was “a quick turnaround” and after the one-fight deal he will be a free agent.<\/p>\n
“I can do my own, go to Matchroom or stay with Zuffa. It’s very short-sighted, the approach,” he said, while admitting a one-fight deal is not normal.<\/p>\n
“But the big noise that it made, it was worth it,” added Benn, who described White as a “very good guy” who “wants to make a big move into boxing”.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
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