George Groves has expressed his belief that Eddie Hearn, a boxing promoter, has betrayed Anthony Joshua and suggests that Joshua should back out of his upcoming fight with Jake Paul.
The former two-time heavyweight world champion is scheduled to face the YouTuber-turned-boxer in Miami, Florida, in an eight-round bout with 10oz gloves. The fight’s outcome will be recorded on their professional records.
Having not fought since his defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, Joshua sees this match as an opportunity to gain valuable experience before returning to competitive boxing in 2026.
Groves, a former super-middleweight champion, has criticized Hearn for his handling of Joshua, urging the British fighter to withdraw from the fight just days before the event.
The heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul is set for December 19 in Miami, with live streaming available on Netflix through Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle.
In an interview with FootItalia, Groves expressed his disappointment in Hearn’s decision, emphasizing that promoters prioritize financial gain over the well-being of fighters. He suggested that Joshua should reject the fight and face a more deserving opponent.
Despite doubts surrounding the match, Joshua is determined to approach it seriously, vowing to dominate his opponent. The former champion looks forward to potential future challenges, including a potential showdown with Tyson Fury.
Joshua emphasized his commitment to the sport, stating his readiness to give his all in the ring. He acknowledged the high expectations placed on him and expressed his respect for the sport and its fans.
