Matchroom Boxing promoter, and chairman Eddie Hearn has declared that Anthony Joshua must emphatically defeat Jake Paul in their December 19 showdown in Miami — or risk retire from the game.
The British Nigerian former unified heavyweight champion faces American YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul at the Kaseya Centre, in what many consider a high-stakes bout for Joshua’s career trajectory.
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Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn admitted that Paul has made significant improvements as a boxer, but insisted he remains levels below Joshua.
“Jake Paul can fight — he’s competent — but he isn’t good enough to beat Anthony Joshua,” Hearn said. He also dismissed rumours of the fight being prearranged, calling such suggestions “illegal” and praising Paul for agreeing to a “real fight.”
However, Hearn was clear about the consequences should Joshua fail to deliver.
“If I’m wrong, I think my time’s up. Not just AJ and me retire — I think we should all retire,” he said jokingly. “AJ, the weight of boxing is on your shoulders, my man.”
Despite the pressure, Hearn is confident Joshua will dominate.
“I really believe this is going to be a straightforward obliteration,” he stated. “There is absolutely no escape for Jake Paul in this fight. The minute AJ smells weakness or blood, he’s letting his hands go — and that spells major trouble for Jake Paul.”
Joshua enters the bout with a professional record of 28 wins and four losses, including 25 knockouts. Paul holds a 12-1 record with seven knockouts.
