George Groves has expressed his belief that boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has betrayed Anthony Joshua and thinks the heavyweight champion should opt 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 where both fighters will wear 10oz gloves. The outcome of the match will be reflected in their professional records.
Joshua has not competed since his defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. However, he views the fight with Paul as an opportunity to prepare for his return to competitive boxing in 2026.
Groves, a former super-middleweight champion, criticized Hearn for his handling of Joshua’s career, suggesting that Joshua should withdraw from the fight just days before the event.
The highly-anticipated showdown between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul is set to take place in Miami on December 19. The fight will be available for live streaming on Netflix as part of Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle, offering fans access at the lowest price ever for Sky TV.
In an interview with FootItalia, Groves criticized Hearn for prioritizing financial gain over Joshua’s career integrity. Groves suggested that Joshua should consider walking away from the fight and facing a more deserving opponent.
Despite doubts surrounding the match, Joshua is determined to give his all and has vowed to defeat his opponent decisively. The former world champion is expected to handle the boxing novice with ease and is already eyeing future challenges, including a potential bout with Tyson Fury.
Joshua emphasized his competitive nature, stating that he is willing to do whatever it takes to win in the ring. He acknowledged the pressure on him but remains focused on his own expectations and goals.