Eddie Hearn says his emotional reaction to Conor Benn’s exit reflects passion, not weakness.
Dana White mocked the Matchroom promoter after Benn signed a lucrative deal with Zuffa Boxing.
Hearn guided Benn from his professional debut to major headline fights.
He described the split as devastating after years of close cooperation.
White dismissed that response with an insult at a UFC press conference.
Hearn rejected the criticism and defended his approach to the sport.
He said he celebrates wins wildly because he cares about his fighters.
He also admits defeats and departures affect him personally.
He contrasted his style with White’s business-first attitude.
Hearn believes strong relationships should stand at the centre of boxing.
He argued that emotion shows commitment rather than weakness.
He also criticised the wider TKO leadership model.
He called their methods cold and pointed to fighter treatment as evidence.
He said he would never want to run a company without passion.
Benn will now debut for Zuffa Boxing against former world champion Regis Prograis.
The bout will take place on Tyson Fury’s April event.
