George Groves has expressed his belief that boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has betrayed Anthony Joshua and suggests that the heavyweight should opt out of his upcoming bout 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 match wearing 10oz gloves. The outcome of the fight will impact both fighters’ professional records.
Joshua has been inactive since his loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 but sees 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 and advised the British fighter to withdraw from the fight just days before the event.
The highly-anticipated heavyweight clash 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, accessible for free with Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle.
In a statement to FootItalia, Groves criticized Hearn for prioritizing financial gain over Joshua’s professional integrity, suggesting that Joshua should reconsider the fight and face a more deserving opponent.
Despite skepticism surrounding the match, Joshua is determined to give his best and has vowed to dominate his opponent. He is focused on a potential future showdown with Tyson Fury, aiming for significant achievements in the coming year.
Joshua emphasized his serious approach to the fight, stating his readiness to do whatever it takes to win, reflecting his dedication to the sport and the high expectations he places on himself.