Eddie Hearn reveals how Tony Bellew nearly came to blows with Jermaine Franklin’s trainer

‘He’s the WRONG person to shout at’: Eddie Hearn reveals how Tony Bellew nearly came to blows with Jermaine Franklin’s trainer after he yelled at the pundit during ringside row after Anthony Joshua’s win at the O2

  • Tempers flared following Anthony Joshua’s points win over Jermaine Franklin
  • Franklin’s trainer attempted to accost Tony Bellew at ringside after the final bell
  • Footage showed security intervening to prevent the incident from escalating 

Eddie Hearn revealed Jermaine Franklin’s trainer provoked Tony Bellew at ringside before the pair were separated by security following Anthony Joshua’s return to the ring on Saturday night.

Footage from the incident showed Bellew and a member of Franklin’s entourage engaged in heated conversation at ringside following the of the end of the fight.

Franklin’s trainer Lorenzo Reynolds, an undefeated former professional boxer, can be seen being physically restrained whilst attempting to accost Bellew before a large security attachment, and the BBC’s Steve Bunce, intervened to prevent the incident escalating.

Speaking following the event, Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn revealed that the incident was provoked by Reynolds shouting at former cruiserweight champion Bellew, who was providing analysis as part of the broadcast for DAZN. 

‘I asked him I think he just said that [Franklin’s] trainer went for AJ or something, and he shouted something, and then he shouted something at Bellew. He’s probably the wrong person to shout something at.’

Footage showed Tony Bellew engaged in a heated incident with Jermaine Franklin’s trainer, Lorenzo Reynolds following Anthony Joshua’s return on Saturday

Bellew was led away by security while Reynolds was restrained during the melee

Bellew was led away by security while Reynolds was restrained during the melee

Tempers also flared in the ring following the final bell following an incident between the fighters

Tempers also flared in the ring following the final bell following an incident between the fighters

Despite emerging with a decision victory over the American in an at-times compelling clash, Joshua appeared to be lacking the killer instinct that had characterised his early career.

After the bout reached the end of the 12th round, chaotic scenes unfolded inside ring between the two fighters forcing security to intervene.

At the O2 Arena, Joshua made his first return to the ring since suffering defeat at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk for a second time back in August where he infamously embarked on a bizarre tirade following the final bell.

Eddie Hearn later revealed Reynolds had been provoking the former cruiserweight champion

Eddie Hearn later revealed Reynolds had been provoking the former cruiserweight champion

Joshua won a unanimous decision against Franklin, in his first fight since losing to Oleksandr Usyk in August

Joshua won a unanimous decision against Franklin, in his first fight since losing to Oleksandr Usyk in August

On Saturday however, the 2012 Olympic champion was more restrained on the microphone following the fight, even after the in-ring incident with his opponent.

Inside the ring, it is a different energy so I apologise to those watching. I respect Jermaine, Eddie [Hearn], thank you for this opportunity. Fans, thank you as well,’ he added. 

‘It was important to win. Jermaine has a good duck and dive style, somebody else from Britain will probably knock him out; respect to him, he did well. 

‘I should have knocked him out but it is done. On to the next. He is here to prove himself, not roll over. I wish I could have knocked him out.’

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