George Groves has voiced his opinion that boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has betrayed Anthony Joshua and suggests that the heavyweight boxer should back out from his upcoming fight against Jake Paul.
The former two-time heavyweight champion is scheduled to face the YouTuber-turned-boxer in Miami, Florida, in an eight-round clash where both fighters will wear 10oz gloves. The fight’s outcome will be reflected in their professional records.
Having last fought in September 2024, Joshua aims to use the bout with Paul as an opportunity to gain valuable ring time before returning to competitive matches in 2026 following his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois.
Groves, a former super-middleweight champion, criticized Hearn for his handling of Joshua’s career, urging the British fighter to withdraw from the impending match just before the event.
The much-anticipated heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul is set to take place in Miami on December 19. Fans can catch the fight live on Netflix as part of Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle, offering the brand’s most affordable Sky TV package.
In an interview with FootItalia, Groves expressed disappointment in Hearn’s focus on financial gain rather than Joshua’s professional integrity, suggesting that Joshua should walk away from the fight and face a more deserving opponent.
Despite doubts surrounding the match, Joshua has vowed to approach it seriously, stating his intent to dominate his opponent. The former world champion looks ahead to future challenges, including a potential clash with Tyson Fury next year.
Joshua emphasized his commitment to his role in the sport, affirming his willingness to give his all in the ring and carry boxing forward, regardless of the opponent he faces.