George Groves has voiced his belief that boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has betrayed Anthony Joshua and suggests that the heavyweight star should consider withdrawing from his upcoming fight against Jake Paul.
The former two-time heavyweight champion is set to face the YouTuber-turned-boxer in Miami, Florida, in an eight-round bout where both fighters will use 10oz gloves. The fight’s outcome will be reflected on their official professional records.
Having not competed since his defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, Joshua views this fight as an opportunity to gain valuable experience before his anticipated return to competitive boxing in 2026.
Groves, a former super-middleweight champion, expressed his strong opinion on the situation, stating that Hearn has not acted in Joshua’s best interest. He suggests that Joshua should reconsider participating in the fight just days before the scheduled event.
The heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul is scheduled for December 19 in Miami, with live streaming available on Netflix. Sky offers fans the opportunity to watch the fight for free by subscribing to the £15 Essential TV bundle, which is currently their lowest-priced Sky TV package.
In an interview with FootItalia, Groves criticized Hearn for prioritizing financial gain over Joshua’s career integrity. He suggested that Joshua should walk away from the bout and face a more worthy opponent, emphasizing that the fight with Paul is beneath him.
Despite doubts surrounding the match, Joshua remains focused and determined, vowing to approach the fight seriously and aiming to defeat his opponent decisively. The former champion has his sights set on bigger challenges in the future, potentially including a showdown with Tyson Fury.
Joshua emphasized his commitment to his craft, stating his readiness to give his all in the ring and acknowledging the expectations placed upon him by fans and the boxing community.
