Despite the triumph, the backdrop of this fight is marked by tension. Eddie Hearn, who was present at ringside, claimed he was unaware of Zuffa’s approach to Benn, learning about it only through a lawyer’s letter. This revelation has sparked discussions about loyalty and business in the boxing world.

Benn’s record now stands at 24 wins from 25 bouts, further solidifying his status in the sport. The fight against Prograis, a former two-time super lightweight champion, was part of the undercard for the Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov event, adding to its significance.

During the fight, Benn sustained a cut above his right eye but managed to secure a decisive victory, which is expected to enhance his marketability. His one-fight deal with Zuffa is reportedly valued at $15 million, indicating the high stakes involved in his career transition.

Interestingly, Hearn was seen yawning at ringside, an action that has been interpreted as a sign of disdain or disappointment regarding Benn’s departure. This moment has fueled speculation about the current state of their relationship.

In the aftermath, Benn expressed respect for Hearn, stating, “I love Eddie. I love Eddie,” despite their split. However, he also revealed that he refused to engage in a phone call with Hearn following his departure from Matchroom, highlighting the complexities of their professional ties.

The dynamics of their relationship have shifted dramatically, especially considering that Benn had previously fought under Hearn’s banner in two bouts against Chris Eubank Jr. The manner of Benn’s exit appears to have stung Hearn, who acknowledged that he had erred in expecting loyalty from Benn during his legal troubles after two failed drug tests in 2022.

As Benn continues to navigate his career with Zuffa Boxing, the future of his relationship with Hearn remains uncertain. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential reconciliation or future collaborations.

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With this win, Benn’s professional record now stands at 24 victories out of 25 bouts. The fight was contested at a catchweight of 150 lbs, and Benn sustained a cut above his right eye during the match. Prograis, who was 37 years old at the time, was rumored to be carrying an injury into the fight, although the specifics of this injury remain unclear.

Notably, this bout was Benn’s first since parting ways with his long-time promoter Eddie Hearn, who was present at ringside. Benn expressed his feelings about Hearn, stating, “I love Eddie. I love Eddie,” despite the recent changes in his career.

During the fight, Benn was accompanied by his father, Nigel Benn, adding a personal touch to the event. This match was part of the undercard for the highly anticipated Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov fight, drawing significant attention from boxing fans.

After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus due to the drug test controversy, which Benn has consistently denied wrongdoing in, his return to the ring was met with both excitement and scrutiny. Benn was cleared by an anti-doping panel, allowing him to resume his boxing career.

Observers noted the presence of Chris Eubank Jr., who had previously fought Benn in two bouts at middleweight. Eubank’s involvement in the event sparked discussions among fans and commentators alike, with some joking about his phone calls during the fight, remarking, “Eubank’s been on the blower for three rounds. Hearn yawning and Eubank on the phone. Iconic.”

As Benn continues to navigate his career post-Eddie Hearn, the implications of his switch to Zuffa Boxing remain to be seen. Details regarding Prograis’s injury leading into the fight are also unconfirmed, leaving fans eager for more information.

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In a significant development for boxing fans in the UK and Ireland, Zuffa Boxing has announced a new multi-year broadcasting deal with Sky Sports. This partnership marks a pivotal moment for Zuffa Boxing, as they aim to expand their reach and introduce the sport to a broader audience. The announcement was made just a few weeks ahead of the first event under this new agreement, set to take place on April 5, 2026, at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas.

The deal includes a commitment to host at least five shows per year on UK soil, a move that underscores Sky Sports’ long-standing relationship with boxing, which spans over 30 years. Jonathan Licht, a representative from Sky Sports, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “Sky Sports has been a long-standing partner to boxing for more than 30 years.” This collaboration is expected to enhance the visibility of Zuffa Boxing events and bring high-quality boxing to fans in the region.

The first event to be broadcast under this new deal will be Zuffa Boxing 05, featuring a highly anticipated matchup between undefeated boxer Andres Cortes and Eridson Garcia, who has only one loss in his professional career. Cortes boasts an impressive record of 24 wins, including 13 knockouts, while Garcia holds a record of 23 wins and 14 knockouts. This matchup is expected to draw significant attention, as both fighters are known for their exciting styles and knockout power.

In addition to the Cortes vs. Garcia fight, the event will also showcase other talented fighters, including Mark Magsayo, who has a record of 28 wins and 18 knockouts, and Feargal McCroy, with a record of 17 wins and 9 knockouts. The inclusion of these fighters highlights Zuffa Boxing’s commitment to featuring top-tier talent and delivering thrilling matchups to boxing enthusiasts.

Dana White, the president of Zuffa Boxing, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “The UK has played such a pivotal role throughout the history of boxing.” He further added, “There’s no bigger or better platform to showcase the best boxing in the UK.” White’s comments reflect the strategic importance of the UK market for Zuffa Boxing and their desire to engage with a passionate fanbase.

As part of the agreement, Sky Sports is expected to reveal a more detailed fight schedule for the remainder of 2026 in the coming weeks. This announcement will provide fans with more insight into upcoming events and the fighters that will be featured, further building anticipation for Zuffa Boxing’s offerings in the UK.

The significance of this partnership cannot be understated, as it represents a massive milestone for Zuffa Boxing. By aligning with a reputable broadcaster like Sky Sports, Zuffa Boxing is poised to enhance its brand presence and attract new fans to the sport. The collaboration is expected to not only benefit the organization but also provide fans with access to high-quality boxing events that they have come to expect from Sky Sports.

As the April 5 event approaches, excitement is building among fans and boxing analysts alike. With the promise of thrilling matchups and the backing of a well-established broadcaster, Zuffa Boxing is set to make a significant impact on the boxing landscape in the UK and Ireland.

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On March 8, 2026, Jai Opetaia is scheduled to face Brandon Glanton at Meta Apex in Las Vegas, NV. This match is particularly significant as it will be Opetaia’s first headlining event under Zuffa Boxing.

However, the bout carries serious implications for Opetaia’s career. The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has announced that it has withdrawn its sanction of the optional defense for Opetaia’s cruiserweight title. As a result, if Opetaia participates in this fight, he risks losing his IBF title regardless of the outcome.

Fight Sanction Status

The IBF does not recognize Zuffa Boxing, which means that the upcoming contest between Opetaia and Glanton will be unsanctioned. An unsanctioned contest is defined as a fight that the IBF has not formally approved for sanction or where sanction has been formally withdrawn.

According to the IBF, “An unsanctioned contest is a fight which the IBF has not formally approved for sanction.” This ruling indicates that if Opetaia competes and wins against Glanton, his title will still be declared vacant.

Fighter Profiles

Jai Opetaia, at 30 years old, holds an impressive record of 29 wins and 0 losses, with 23 of those victories coming by way of knockout. His opponent, Brandon Glanton, aged 34, has a record of 21 wins and 3 losses, including 18 knockouts.

Despite the potential risks, Opetaia is viewed as the clear favorite in this matchup. However, Glanton is known for his punching power and toughness, having never been stopped in his professional career.

Event Timing

The fight is part of Zuffa Boxing 04 and is set to start at 5:30 PM ET on Paramount+. The main card will begin at 9 PM ET, drawing attention from boxing fans eager to see how Opetaia performs in his U.S. debut.

As the fight approaches, the stakes are high for both fighters. For Opetaia, this bout represents a chance to make a strong statement as he transitions into the Zuffa Boxing arena, while also risking his IBF title. The implications of this fight extend beyond personal records, as they could reshape the cruiserweight division landscape.

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Jai Opetaia, the undefeated Australian boxer, is scheduled to face Brandon Glanton on March 8, 2026, at Meta Apex in Las Vegas, NV. This bout is part of Zuffa Boxing 04 and will be streamed live on Paramount+, with the full card starting at 5:30 pm ET.

However, the stakes are particularly high for Opetaia, as he risks losing his IBF cruiserweight title. The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has recently announced that it has withdrawn sanction of the optional defense for its belt, which complicates the situation for the champion.

Sanction Withdrawal

The IBF initially approved the bout, having been informed that the Zuffa Boxing fight would not be a unification bout. However, the organization does not recognize Zuffa Boxing, rendering the fight unsanctioned. According to the IBF, “An unsanctioned contest is a fight which the IBF has not formally approved for sanction or where sanction has been formally withdrawn.”

If Opetaia participates in this unsanctioned contest, the title will be declared vacant regardless of the fight’s outcome, whether he wins or loses.

Jai Opetaia boasts an impressive record of 29 wins and no losses, with 23 of those victories coming by way of knockout. Meanwhile, Brandon Glanton holds a record of 21 wins, 3 losses, and 18 KOs. This matchup marks a significant moment for both fighters, especially for Opetaia, who is making his U.S. debut as a Zuffa headliner.

As the fight approaches, the implications of the IBF’s decision weigh heavily on Opetaia. He is not only competing for a title but also aiming to make a strong statement in the U.S. boxing scene.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential changes to the fight’s status or further developments from the IBF. The boxing community will be closely watching this event unfold, as it could have lasting effects on Opetaia’s career and the cruiserweight division.

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