Boxing star raises 'scumbag' theory after Conor Benn's switch as Eddie Hearn reveals shocked reaction

Chris Eubank Jr has lit a fire around Conor Benn's decision to leave Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing, questioning who the "scumbag" is in the situation.

It comes as Matchroom's promote Hearn also revealed many in the boxing community contacted him and asked "are you having a laugh?"

Dana White's new boxing league, Zuffa Boxing, has made another significant addition to its roster, with British welterweight Benn signing with the promotion.

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Benn (24-1, 14 KOs) has reportedly signed with Zuffa for one fight which comes with an eight-figure price tag, according to multiple reports.

It's understood the fight that would take place in April or May in the UK.

Eubank Jr's last two fights have been against Benn, with the first a win and second a loss.

The 36-year-old took to X to deliver his intriguing take.

"So Eddie Hearns' No.1 fighter has now left him. Eddie stuck by Conor Benn through thick and thin, getting him off of drug charges & giving him money to live when he had nothing," he wrote.

"I guess this really shows just how much of a scumbag Hearn actually is… he saves his fighter's life and career and Conor still doesn't want to be involved with him. Or is Benn the scumbag for dumping the man that built him? This really is a conundrum. Scumbag on scumbag violence at its finest … don't say I didn't tell you guys."

The move adds to the simmering feud between White and Hearn with their war of words becoming personal in recent weeks.

Hearn confirmed he knew the move was building over the past few days and took accountability for losing one of his best fighters, saying he was "pretty devastated".

"I blame myself because I just forgot it was boxing. I just felt that the loyalty that we've shown would never, ever put us in this position," he said. "I just felt that I never really needed to push Conor Benn to sign a new contract previously, and I probably could have got him to sign a new contract previously. But like I said, I blame myself.

"I made a mistake because I misjudged the character, and again, I'm not going to hang him out to dry on it. He will say, 'It was a big offer, right?' But, you know, when I received the email from his lawyer, I texted him and said, 'I think we should have a call. I think for everything I've done for you, I think I deserve a call.' And he said, 'No.' And I was like, 'Man, f---, I can't believe it."

Hearn added he'd had "dozens of message" from boxing figures who asked "are you having a laugh?"

"It feels a little bit of a wasted few years, I gave a lot. I gave a lot. You know how hard I fought, when no one believed him, no one backed him, I did," he said.

"I believed him and I backed him and I never gave in. When he was done and out, I loaned him hundreds of thousands of pounds."

In a statement, White described Benn as "an absolute beast and a superstar".

"He shows up every time and destroys people, and now some of the best fighters in the world are calling him out," he said.

"He's ready for a world title next and I can't wait to see him compete in Zuffa Boxing.

"He's going to be a huge addition to a growing stable of very talented boxers."

Benn is the second high-profile signing for the upstart promotion, which recently signed Australian lineal/IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia.

"Zuffa Boxing presented me with an opportunity I simply couldn't refuse." I'm filled with excitement and hunger for what's ahead with Zuffa Boxing," Benn said.

"I want the legacy fights, the biggest nights, the biggest stages.

"I fear no man at any weight, and I'm ready to give the fans the fights they've been calling for.

"I'm in my prime, and together we have bold, ambitious plans"

Benn also thanked Hearn.

"They were not only with me for those highlight moments but stood shoulder to shoulder with me during the tough times," he wrote.