Matchroom CEO Frank Smith has refuted claims that the upcoming fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua will be fixed. Reports emerged last week indicating that the two fighters were finalizing a deal to meet this Christmas. On Monday, it was officially announced that the heavyweight showdown is set for December 19 in Miami, spanning eight three-minute rounds with both fighters wearing 10oz gloves.
The outcome of the fight will impact their professional records. Despite previous allegations of fixing fights since his debut in 2020, Paul has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Criticism from the boxing community has labeled the upcoming bout between Paul and Joshua as ‘rigged.’
In response to the speculation, Eddie Hearn’s associate, Frank Smith, downplayed the concerns, emphasizing that it is a standard professional fight without any unusual conditions. Smith clarified this stance during the Ariel Helwani Show.
The highly-anticipated clash between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul is scheduled for December 19 in Miami and will be available for live streaming on Netflix. Joshua’s camp has emphasized that he is entering the fight with the intention of knocking out Paul, denying any notions of an exhibition match or predetermined outcome.
Jake Paul had initially expressed interest in facing Joshua earlier this year, with talks of a potential bout in 2026. Following a victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in June, Paul’s scheduled fight with Gervonta Davis was canceled due to legal issues faced by Davis. Seeking another fight opportunity, Paul reached out to various boxing stars before Joshua accepted the challenge.
Smith revealed that the negotiations for the fight progressed swiftly after the Davis fight fell through. Despite reservations about Paul facing Joshua, the match was confirmed within a week. Smith acknowledged that it was a bold move by Paul, considering Joshua’s elite status in the sport.
The Miami showdown between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul is set to take place just days before Christmas, likely commencing around 11pm local time, corresponding to 4am in the UK. Fight timings may vary depending on the undercard duration, and the event will be broadcast live on Netflix.