Anthony Joshua Backs Eddie Hearn in Feud with Conor Benn
Anthony Joshua has waded into the ongoing feud between Conor Benn and Eddie Hearn, publicly lending his support to the promoter. This development comes after Benn sensationally announced last month that he was leaving Hearn's promotion, Matchroom Boxing, after a decade-long relationship to join rival Dana White's outfit, Zuffa Boxing.
Joshua's Instagram Show of Support
On Tuesday, Joshua, a long-term Matchroom Boxing fighter, took to his Instagram story to back Hearn. The former two-time heavyweight world champion shared a picture of himself and Hearn dressed sharply, accompanied by a caption that read: 'AJ: Did you bring the fire power Eddie? Eddie: It's tucked on my waste line mush [sic] AJ: I'll let you know when I have a clear sight of Connor Benn [sic]'. This post highlights Joshua's alignment with Hearn amid the controversy.
Hearn's Devastation and Financial Support
Hearn has spoken out about Benn's decision, revealing he was left 'devastated' by the move. He had guided Benn from his 2016 debut to headlining cards and stuck by him after Benn failed two drug tests in 2022. Hearn claimed he was informed of the decision by Benn's lawyer before being refused a phone call, stating, 'Me personally, pretty devastated. I have had a few days to digest what might happen. It is not often you get shocked.'
He added, '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.' Reports indicate Hearn lent Benn approximately £500,000 following the collapse of his 2022 match-up with Chris Eubank Jr., which was cancelled due to Benn's positive drug tests.
Benn's Departure and Future Plans
When announcing his split from Hearn, Benn, who has ambitions of winning the WBC welterweight title, thanked the 46-year-old promoter for standing by him during tough periods. He expressed excitement for a 'new chapter' aimed at securing 'legacy fights' on the biggest stages. However, Hearn felt misled, saying, 'I misjudged the character of Benn by feeling the loyalty I had shown him would be enough to talk it through or get close to a number.'
Hearn 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.' He criticised the manner of the departure, noting, 'I just think the way it was done was very very wrong. But everyone is different. Some people, loyalty really matters, other people maybe not so.'
Upcoming Fight and Implications
Benn's first bout as a Zuffa Boxing fighter is scheduled against Regis Prograis on April 11 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This move marks a significant shift in the boxing landscape, with Joshua's public support for Hearn underscoring the deep personal and professional rifts involved. The feud highlights issues of loyalty and business dynamics in the sport, as key figures navigate this high-stakes transition.
