Eddie Hearn: Conor Benn Deserves Immense Respect

Eddie Hearn believes his former fighter, Conor Benn, deserves credit for reaching a world title fight, despite being outclassed by Ryan Garcia on Saturday night.

Hearn managed Benn through the early stages of his professional career, supported him when two failed drug tests jeopardized his future, and also orchestrated two lucrative clashes with Chris Eubank Jr. last year.

It was therefore a surprise when Benn opted to sign with Zuffa Boxing earlier this year.

Benn's form with his new promoters has been less than impressive. A lackluster 10-round points victory over Regis Prograis in April was followed by a two-round defeat to WBC welterweight champion Garcia in Las Vegas.

Although he secured one win and one loss against an aging Eubank at 72 kg, this was Benn's first fight against an elite opponent in his prime.

Many have suggested that his capabilities at this level, or rather the lack thereof, have now been exposed.

"I have more reasons than most people to throw him to the wolves, but I don't think there's a need for that; look at what he's achieved. People will now attack him and say, 'He's useless, he can't win a British title, who has he even beaten?' They might be right, but he did it. I'm not going to sit here and say he was never good, because I truly believe he's a good fighter and I think he's improved so much, so he deserves a lot of respect for how hard he's worked to get to this position," Hearn argued.

However, Hearn is not convinced that Benn will remain in the sport for much longer.