Anthony Joshua, a former two-time heavyweight world champion, has taken a shot at Conor Benn on Instagram, showing his support for long-time promoter Eddie Hearn after Benn's departure from Matchroom Boxing. Joshua's Instagram post features a picture of him and Hearn, with a playful caption that hints at a potential rivalry with Benn. The caption reads: 'AJ: Did you bring the fire power Eddie? Eddie: It's tucked on my waste line, mush. AJ: I'll let you know when I have a clear sight of Connor Benn.'
The ongoing feud between Benn and Hearn began when Benn announced his departure from Matchroom Boxing, a decision that left Hearn 'devastated'. Hearn had guided Benn from his 2016 debut to headlining cards and stuck by him after he failed two drug tests in 2022. However, Benn's lawyer informed Hearn of the decision before Benn, and Hearn was refused a phone call with him. Hearn expressed his disappointment, feeling that his loyalty and support for Benn had been betrayed.
Daily Mail Sport reported that Hearn had lent Benn £500,000 following the collapse of his 2022 match-up with Eubank Jr. due to positive drug tests. Hearn admitted to misjudging Benn's character, believing that his loyalty would be enough to resolve the issues. He felt that the way the situation was handled was 'very very wrong' and that it cost him a bit of his soul.
Benn's first bout as a Zuffa Boxing fighter will be against Regis Prograis on April 11 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The move to Zuffa Boxing marks a new chapter for Benn, who aims to secure 'legacy fights' on the biggest stages. Despite the controversy, Joshua's Instagram post adds a layer of humor and intrigue to the ongoing feud, leaving fans curious about the potential future developments in the boxing world.
