Will Zuffa defection last for Conor Benn after Matchroom exit?

Conor Benn sent shockwaves through the boxing world last month when the Briton confirmed his defection to Zuffa from Matchroom Boxing.

Considered one part of the promotion giant's most prized assets after his rematch win over Chris Eubank Jr., few saw a sudden exit coming.

Yet Benn's decision to jump ship and join the Dana White-backed outfit truly threw up one of the sport's biggest curveballs of the year so far.

But is the star's departure to the proverbial new kid on the promotional block a move likely to run and run? Or is it just a one-and-done deal?

DAZN News profiles what the future may hold for Benn after cutting ties with his past, with questions over how his present is yet to unfold.

What comes next for Benn with Zuffa?

Little time has been wasted by powerbrokers in fixing the Briton up with his first test, with the star set to face off against Regis Prograis in April.

The two-time world champion is arguably past his prime, but nevertheless represents one of the hardest tests of Benn's pro career thus far.

The pair will headline the co-main event on Tyson Fury's comeback fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It marks an immediate return to the venue for Benn, having played his gripping duology with Eubank Jr. out at the Premier League venue.

Could Benn challenge for a world title with Zuffa?

Benn spoke of his desire to chase legacy-defining fights at the time that his move to Zuffa was confirmed - but titles may be another matter.

They has made plenty of noise about supplanting the existing title structure, a claim that places its fighters between a rock and a hard place.

Jai Opetaia arrived at Zuffa intending to challenge for the undisputed cruiserweight crown, but found his chances shot by the IBF this weekend.

Benn, previously touted as a challenger to WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia, could find his efforts thwarted if the status quo remains.

Might Benn return to Matchroom?

Depending on what the Briton wants, Benn's future could well be up in the air beyond his current Zuffa deal. Does he want big bucks, or big belts?

If he wants to further secure his financial future, Zuffa does seem the home to do it. Reports are that he will earn a hefty sum for his contract there.

But if he wants to fight for the recognised belts, then he may be best served to return to Matchroom - though that comes with its own complications.

Eddie Hearn's frustration suggests that those bridges have been burned - but at the same time, it isn't difficult to imagine a change of heart too.

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