Matchroom CEO Frank Smith has refuted claims that the upcoming fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua will be fixed. Recent reports indicated that Joshua and Paul were finalizing an agreement to face off this Christmas. The heavyweight bout was officially confirmed to take place on December 19 in Miami, consisting of eight three-minute rounds with both fighters using 10oz gloves.
The outcome of the match will be reflected in their professional records. Paul, since his debut in 2020, has faced allegations of fixing fights, which he has consistently denied. Criticism from the boxing community has labeled the fight between the 28-year-old and Joshua as potentially rigged.
In response to the skepticism, Eddie Hearn’s associate, Smith, downplayed concerns just ahead of the anticipated clash. He emphasized that it is a standard professional fight spanning eight rounds, dismissing any notions of predetermined outcomes. The showdown between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul is scheduled to be live-streamed on Netflix on December 19, accessible through Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle.
Smith highlighted Joshua’s intent to secure a knockout victory, emphasizing that the fight is not an exhibition but a serious competition. Paul had initially expressed interest in facing Joshua earlier this year, leading to the eventual agreement for the upcoming bout. The YouTuber-turned-boxer’s last fight was a decision win against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in June, as his planned bout with Gervonta Davis was canceled due to legal issues faced by Davis.
Following the cancellation, Paul actively sought out opponents for a year-end fight, ultimately leading to Joshua’s acceptance of the challenge. The swift progression towards finalizing the match surprised many, including Smith, who acknowledged the high stakes involved in fighting someone of Joshua’s caliber. The Matchroom CEO indicated that he would not have advised Paul to take on such a formidable opponent, suggesting that the YouTuber might have ventured beyond his capabilities.
The highly anticipated clash between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul in Miami on December 19, close to Christmas, is expected to occur around 11 pm local time, potentially extending into the early hours of the morning in the UK. Fight timings are typically aligned to cater to the American audience and are subject to adjustments based on the undercard duration. The event will be broadcast live on Netflix.
