Anthony Joshua takes dig at Conor Benn as he backs promoter Eddie Hearn after split

Anthony Joshua has taken aim at Conor Benn in a comical social media jab after his split with Eddie Hearn.

Benn announced in a stunning turn of events that he would be signing with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, ending his partnership with long-term promoter Eddie Hearn.

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Hearn was not impressed with Benn’s conduct after accepting his new $15 million deal, given how he supported him through several ordeals during his turbulent career.

Benn will next face Regis Prograis on April 11 after accepting a one-fight deal, but has hinted he’d love to work with Hearn again in the future.

However a small rift has developed in public in recent weeks, with Benn trying to reach out and smooth things over.

But British heavyweight Anthony Joshua, who has signed for the entirety of his career with Hearn, has comically got himself involved.

AJ posted a picture of himself and his promoter together at tennis tournament Wimbledon.

And he captioned the picture: “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 Conor Benn.”

Joshua has shown fierce loyalty to Hearn throughout his career, so Benn’s move may also have come as a shock.

Hearn even used Joshua as an example when discussing Benn’s surprise exit, insisting the former two-time champion would never have negotiated an exit in the same manner.

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Benn’s departure from Hearn – talkSPORT verdict

Benn will get a huge payday for what is now viewed as a favourable fight, with Prograis having to fight at 150lbs and on the back of a defeat.

His future still remains unclear in terms of pushing for world glory though, given Zuffa’s current plan to move away from traditional titles.

He is mandatory for Ryan Garcia’s WBC 147lbs world title, a fight which he will likely push for later in the summer.

But talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan fears a move away from Hearn may not have been wise.

He explained: “Matchroom are far bigger than Conor Benn.

“They have had a nice little divvy; they have made a nice little bit of money out of Conor Benn.

“I think personally that Conor Benn would be better off with Eddie Hearn, better off with Matchroom as they are a world-class promotional operation.”