FIRST AND LAST PHOTO OF MUHAMMAD "THE.GREATEST" ALI 🥊

 

'DEVASTATED' EDDIE HEARN HITS OUT AT CONNOR BENN AFTER BOXER DUMPED PROMOTER FOR DANA' WHITE'S FLEDGLING COMLANY - AND REVEALS STAR'S SHOCKING REACTION WHEN HE ASKED FOR A PHONE CALL MOMENTS BEFORE 'PAINFUL' SPLIT'

Eddie Hearn has revealed he is 'devastated' following Conor Benn's decision to sign with Dana White's outfit Zuffa Boxing - and admitted that he may have 'misjudged the character' of the boxer.

The 29-year-old, son of British legend Nigel Benn, sensationally announced on Thursday that he was ditching Hearn's promotion Matchroom Boxing after a decade-long relationship.

Benn, who has ambitions of winning the WBC welterweight title, thanked Hearn for standing by him during the tough periods of his career and said he was excited for a 'new chapter' aimed at securing 'legacy fights' on the biggest stages.

But Hearn, whose promotion guided the British boxing star from his 2016 debut to headlining cards and stuck by him through a series of failed drug tests, has hit out at the fighter.

Speaking to iFL TV after Benn's bombshell announcement, the 46-year-old promoter claimed he was informed of the decision by the boxer's lawyer before being refused a phone call with him.

Benn announced he was joining the promotion led by Dana White late on Friday evening

'Me personally, pretty devastated,' Hearn said of his reaction to the news. 'I have had a few days to digest what might happen. It is not often you get shocked. 

'I blame myself. I forgot it was boxing. I just felt the loyalty that we have shown would never ever put us in this position.'

Hearn added that he 'misjudged the character' of Benn by feeling the 'loyalty' he had shown him 'would be enough to talk it through or get close to a number'.

He continued: 'It feels a little bit of a wasted few years. I gave a lot... I believed him and I backed him and I never gave in when he was done, out. Loaned him hundreds of thousands of pounds, but yeah on we go.'

'I just think the way it was done was very very wrong,' he added. 'But everyone is different. Some people, loyalty really matters, other people maybe not so. 

'The way it played out to receive an email from the lawyer and then to ask for a call and not the willingness to have it, you just lose a bit of your soul to it.'

Benn, whose most recent fight was his rematch victory over Chris Eubank Jr in December, announced his decision late on Friday night and led his social media statements thanking Hearn and Matchroom 'for everything they've done'.

The 29-year-old beat Chris Eubank Jr in a rematch between the fighters last December

But Eubank Jr, who won the first fight last April, launched a scathing attack on his old foe on X.

'So Eddie Hearns (sic) #1 fighter has now left him,' the boxer's post read.

'Eddie stuck by Conor Benn through thick & thin, getting him off of drug charges & giving him money to live when he had nothing. 

'I guess this really shows just how much of a scumbag Hearn actually is… he saves his fighters life & career & Conor still doesn’t want to be involved with him. Or is Benn the scumbag for dumping the man that built him? (thinking emoji).

Hearn admitted that he may have 'misjudged the character' of British welterweight star Benn

'This really is a conundrum. Scumbag on scumbag violence at its finest… don’t say I didn’t tell you guys.'

Benn claimed Zuffa Boxing 'presented me with an opportunity I simply couldn’t refuse' and said he hoped his old promoter could 'continue to be a part of my team'.

'I’m filled with excitement and hunger for what’s ahead with Zuffa Boxing,' Benn's statement continued. 

'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.'

The announcement came as a major shock in the sport, given Matchroom's decision to stick by Benn when he failed two drug tests in 2022. 

The promotion's continued backing throughout the episode was widely noted, and Benn eventually returned to boxing on home soil in late 2024.

Against that backdrop, Benn's move to Zuffa - founded by UFC chief executive White - appears motivated by both financial and strategic factors.

Benn has long pursued Ryan Garcia and speculation is abound that he could now face him

The deal is understood in boxing circles to be lucrative - reportedly a one-fight agreement worth eight figures - which would leave Benn a free agent again after his promotional debut with Zuffa.

The switch also places Benn at the centre of the new promoter's early ambitions to attract high-profile names and stage blockbuster events. Among the potential targets generating intrigue is American star Ryan Garcia, whom Benn has long pursued.

Garcia's own promotional situation remains uncertain amid conflicting claims involving Golden Boy Promotions and founder Oscar De La Hoya. Garcia has suggested his contract with Golden Boy is due to expire on Sunday, while De La Hoya maintains multiple bouts remain on the agreement.

The public back-and-forth, set against Benn's new deal with Zuffa, has intensified speculation that a Benn-Garcia showdown could materialise as one of the promotion's first marquee matchups if the contractual picture clears.

It is understood Zuffa is planning multiple London events throughout 2026, raising the prospect of Benn and Garcia headlining a blockbuster show after Benn previously claimed the pair could sell out a stadium.

Benn is also expected to be ringside for Garcia's forthcoming contest against Mario Barrios, raising the prospect of a face-off or promotional moment that could further stoke anticipation around a possible transatlantic showdown.

White called Benn's signing a 'huge addition' to his team.

'Conor Benn is an absolute beast and a superstar,' he said in a statement. 

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

'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.'

- CIARAN FOREMAN

BOXING LEGEND SAYS FLOYD MAYWEATHER IS NOT THE BEST EVER: "I'M ABSOLUTELY BETTER"

A retired boxing icon has ranked himself higher than Floyd Mayweather Jr as an all-time-great.

‘Money’ Mayweather had a professional boxing career that many fighters could only dream of. Throughout the course of his tenure, he captured no less than 15 world championships across five weight divisions, defeating all 50 of the opponents he faced.

He holds victories over the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao and Canelo Alvarez to name a few, all of which are generational greats. He called time on his career back in 2017, just a short while after he stopped MMA legend Conor McGregor in the tenth round of their crossover showdown in August of that year.

Despite many holding Mayweather in the highest regard, there is one legendary fighter who believes he ranks even higher than the 48-year-old from Michigan.

That man is Sugar Ray Leonard, who was asked in a resurfaced interview if he thinks he was a better fighter than Mayweather was during his prime years.

“Absolutely [I was greater than Floyd], and I’m not bragging but then again my mindset as a fighter, as a champion will always tell me I could beat Mayweather, I could beat Tyson, that’s what made me who I became.”

He was then asked how he would have approached a fight with Mayweather and did give him immense credit.

“There’s no one way to fight Floyd Mayweather, he is that good, he is that talented. No one could penetrate his defence, he was one of the best guys out there.”

Leonard has, however, in the past said that his stoppage victory over Mayweather Sr in 1978 gives him the confidence he would win, telling Floyd:

“I knocked your father out. Like father, like son.”

The all-time great had an outstanding career of his own, and is perhaps most notable for being one of the ‘Four Kings’ alongside Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran. ‘Sugar Ray’ won world titles across five weight classes, as well as the undisputed welterweight championship which he held back in 1981. 

- Toby Morgan

'DISGRACE' - WHY CHRIS EUBANK JAS FALLEN OUT WITH CHRIS EUBANK JR BEFORE CONOR BENN FIGHT

Chris Eubank Snr has labelled his son as a disgrace

Legendary fighter Chris Eubank is not on speaking terms with his son, Chris Eubank Jr, and has vowed he will not be involved in his boxing career

Chris Eubank has labelled his son Chris Eubank Jr a 'disgrace' and vowed never to be in his corner again.

The British boxing icon was instrumental in the early stages of his son's career, but their relationship has soured over time. Eubank Snr has openly criticised his son's forthcoming fight with Conor Benn, 32 years after his notorious two-bout rivalry with Conor's father, Nigel Benn.

He is convinced that the significant physical edge Eubank Jr will have on the night could lead to severe repercussions. Benn is moving up from welterweight to face natural middleweight Eubank Jr at a sold-out Wembley Stadium on April 26.

The bout was initially scheduled for October 2022. Eubank Sr was vocally opposed to that initial fight, which would have taken place almost 29 years to the day after Eubank Sr fought Benn Sr for the second and final time.

But it was abruptly cancelled after Benn tested positive for a prohibited substance, allegations he has since been exonerated of. At a launch press conference in February ahead of the big face-off finally taking place on April 26, Eubank Jr incited a mass brawl by hitting Benn in the face with an egg, reports the Daily Record.

In a fiery interview with YouTube channel Seconds Out, Eubank Snr firmly stated that he wants no part in his son's career. He blasted: "I won't be an accomplice to their stupidity, to their circus. Junior, you are smashing an egg against this guy's face.

"I taught you that? I didn't teach you that. Who taught you that? Did Karron (his mother) teach you that? That's disgraceful. You think I am going to stand in your corner? You must be mad. I would never be in your corner, you are a disgrace.

"You are smashing an egg in someone's face and then you are trying to justify it. There is no justification for that. There is nothing noble about that."

Last October, Eubank Jr had publicly urged his father to put their differences aside ahead of the big Tottenham Hotspur Stadium showdown. He said: "I would love him and the fact that I even have to say that is insane.

"His son is going to fight the son of his arch nemesis (from) all those years ago when he was a world champion. How is it a thing that he may not be there? But it is a thing.

"We don't talk and he has shown no interest in my career for a long period of time now. He has shown no interest in me in a long period of time. For a long time, I tried to act like it was cool... I got sick of that shit. It's b*******. We're not cool.

"For someone who has lost a son (Eubank Jr's son Sebastian tragically died in 2021) I think it's a pretty insane thing to be doing by not speaking to your remaining kids.

"But he is his own man and he is dealing with his situation and all I can do is sit, wait and hope that he comes around at some point. But I can't tell you if that will happen any time soon."

Speaking on on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Eubank Jr explained why he and his dad have become estranged. He said: "It got to a stage where I needed to step out of the shadow completely. It’s a big shadow.

"I realised I have to separate myself from this huge character that’s always next to me... My old man was always next to me. I got to a stage where I decided that I needed to walk my own path.

"He was not happy with that decision. And then you have a situation with my brother passing away. That affected him in a deep way - affected all of us - mental health is a real thing.

"That incident, coupled with the fact that we were already not seeing eye to eye, destroyed a large part of the relationship and it still hasn’t recovered."

- Anthony Evans and Will Schofield

HEAVYWEIGHT LEGEND 'BIG' GEORGE FOREMAN PASSES AWAY AT 76, BIXING WORLD MOURNS

The sport of boxing lost one of its greatest legends in "Big" George Foreman this week.

Robert Hanashiro / USA TODAY NETWORK

The former two-time heavyweight champion headlined the some of the most iconic boxing events in his heyday, Foreman sharing the ring with Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali across 81 professional bouts.

One half of 'The Rumble in the Jungle' and an illustrious name in combat sports history, George Foreman passed away on Friday, his family announced on Instagram.

He was 76 years old.

Rest In Peace, George Foreman

"Our hearts are broken," the Foreman family posted Friday evening. "With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.

"A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply respected — a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name— for his family."

"We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own."

Foreman was born on Jan. 10, 1949 in Marshall, Texas.

Mike Tyson, Boxing World Reacts

The boxing world mourns the death of George Foreman, who led an inspirational life inside and out of the ring.

The Foreman family has recieved countless messages of support during this time, former Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson sending his condolences for his fallen friend.

"Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten," Tyson said of George Foreman.

"Rest in Peace George Foreman and condolences to his entire family. He did great things inside and outside of the ring. Big George Forever Goated," Jake Paul wrote on 'X'.

"Sad news for me and the boxing world... The last boxing pillar for an unforgettable era has passed away today... May his soul rest in peace, Big George Foreman!" Turki Alalshikh wrote on 'X'.

"RIP To the Nicest human being to ever Lace on a pair of Gloves ‘Big George Foreman’ May the good Lord have you beside him where you deserve to be. You will be Missed," Amanda Serrano wrote.

"I’m totally heartbroken with news of my dear friend of more than 35 years George Foreman passing away," ring announcer Michael Buffer wrote. "I’m finding it difficult to deal with. I’ll collect my thoughts and have more to say soon about a man that I (and so many others) loved and respected."

"Very few times have I felt like I was meeting a cultural icon," Cris Cyborg wrote. "When @GeorgeForeman walked into the room he electrified it. I can imagine him in Heaven doing the same thing."

"I got to know Mr. Foreman a little bit, seeing him at all the boxing matches and I always picked his brain, trying to be an entrepreneur when your career is over. This one hurt man," former NBA star Charles Barkley said of Foreman's pasing on CBS Sports.

"Between Junior Bridgeman, Oliver Miller, it's been a rough week. When that [news] came in, that hurts a lot. He was obviously one of the greatest boxers ever but just a gentleman, a pastor and it hurts plain and simple. My condolences to his family."

"What a GREAT FIGHTER!!!" President Donald Trump wrote of Foreman on Truth Social. "He had, without question, the heaviest and biggest punch in the history of boxing. With the exception of Ali, when you got hit, you went down. He was something really Special, but above all, he was a Great Person, with a personality that was bigger than life. I knew him well, and he will be missed. Warmest condolences to his wonderful family!!!

George Foreman had a boxing record of 76-5 (68 KO's), going down as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.

- Christopher De Santiago

'REST EASY KING' - MIKE TYSON LEADS EMOTIONAL GEORGE FOREMAN TRIBUTES AFTER DEATH OF BOXING LEGEND

Foreman died aged 76 (Picture: Getty Images)

Mike Tyson has led the tributes to George Foreman following the death of the heavyweight legend.

Foreman’s family announced the death of the former world champion on Friday night with ‘their hearts broken’ after the loss of ‘Big George’ at the age of 76.

He leaves behind a staggering legacy in boxing, having won gold for USA at the 1968 Olympics before becoming one of the most feared world champions in the sport.

Foreman fought Muhammad Alli at the legendary ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ and was crowned the oldest world champion in history in 1994.

Foreman is remembered as one of the most ferocious punchers in boxing history with tributes quickly pouring in for the American.

Another heavyweight legend in Mike Tyson was among the first to pass on his message of support to the Foreman family.

‘Condolences to George Foreman’s family,” Tyson said on social media, sharing pictures of the two together. ‘His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.’

Veteran boxing promoter Bob Arum said: ‘George was a great friend to not only myself, but to my entire family. We’ve lost a family member and are absolutely devastated.’

Former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew wrote: ‘RIP to one of the greatest human beings to ever put on boxing gloves.. This man was truly amazing!

‘There is no doubt imo he’s the greatest puncher boxing has ever seen.. Rest easy king the world is a lesser place without you.’

Foreman weighing in for Rumble In The Jungle (Picture: UPI/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images)

A statement from the Foreman family released overnight said: ‘Our hearts are broken.

‘With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.

‘A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.

A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply respected — a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name— for his family.

‘We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.’

- Tony Mogan

BOXING LEGEND GEORGE FOREMAN DIES AT 76

 

FRANK BRUNO BREAKS SILENCE AFTER BOXING LEGEND FELL 'SERIOUSLY ILL' ON FLIGHT

Frank Bruno had a viral infection (Image: Getty Images)

Boxing legend Frank Bruno, 63, has explained what happened after he was taken seriously ill on a long haul flight to Thailand and was treated by medics at Doha Airport

Frank Bruno has thanked his fans for their well wishes after being taken seriously ill on a long haul flight. Bruno, 63, spent two weeks in hospital with a viral infection after being treated by medics at Doha Airport.

His manager Dave Davies had said that the boxing legend was recovering and looking to return to his speaking tour 'as soon as possible'. And Bruno has now taken to social media to add some detail.

"The last 3 weeks have been tough especially not knowing what was wrong with me and a Viral infection can mean loads of things between Dave in the office and me we'll keep you informed," he wrote on X.

"At the moment I am told I cannot go to work so for the jobs last week and this weekend please accept my apology however the office is telling me most bookers want to transfer the booked dates. The office tells me already this morning hundreds of messages from well wishers so thank you."

He added: "I can't wait to get back to work."

Davies had previously explained: “Frank was flying out to work in Thailand when he was taken ill on the plane at Doha. Medical crew attended Frank on the plane and at hospital. He’s now recovering and hopes to be back at work as soon as possible.”

A source had told The Sun that Bruno was "in a really bad way" on the flight and initially believed he might have food poisoning. He was said to be sweating profusely while displaying fever-like symptoms.

The health scare occurred on a Qatar Airways flight on March 3 from Heathrow to Doha. Bruno was heading out to Thailand, where he was due to talk at four speaking events in the Asian country.

He had been looking forward to the trip, posting a photo of himself on the plane with the caption: "The Frank Bruno World tour continues up early for a plane I don't sleep well on planes but trying to catch up on some zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz's".

His speaking events have been postponed while Bruno recovers. An upcoming engagement in Manchester on Sunday called 'An Evening with Frank Bruno', has been pushed back.

Bruno fought as a heavyweight and hung up his gloves in 1996 after a defeat by Mike Tyson which left him with a professional record of 40 wins from 45 fights, 38 of which came via knockout. He subsequently struggled with bipolar disorder and is now a mental health campaigner.

- Felix Keith

TERENCE CRAWFORD AT AGE 35 | BOXING LEGEND

 

Terence Crawford at age 35:

👑 WBO Light

👑 Ring Light

👑 WBA Super-Light

👑 WBC Super-Light

👑 IBF Super-Light

👑 WBO Super-Light

👑 Ring Super-Light

👑 WBA Welter

👑 WBC Welter

👑 IBF Welter

👑 WBO Welter

👑 Ring Welter

FLOYD 'MONEY' MAYWEATHER MOTHERLAND TOUR 2023

 

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CASSIUS CLAY | MUHAMMAD ALI | NEW YORK | 1963

 

JOE LEWIS | BOXING LEGEND

 

BOXING LEGEND FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR STILL FRESH AT 45

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MIKE TYSON STATUE | RESORTS WORLD | LAS VEGAS

 

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MUHAMMAD ALI SHUFFLE | THE GREATEST EVER

 

MUHAMMAD ALI LOOKING SUAVE | BOXING LEGEND