George Groves has expressed his belief that boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has betrayed Anthony Joshua and suggests the heavyweight should opt out of his upcoming fight against Jake Paul in Miami. The former two-time heavyweight champion is scheduled to face the YouTuber-turned-boxer in an eight-round bout wearing 10oz gloves, with the outcome affecting their professional records.
Joshua, who last fought in a loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, views this fight as a chance to gain valuable experience before returning to competitive boxing in 2026. Groves, a former super-middleweight champion, criticized Hearn for his handling of the situation, advising Joshua to withdraw from the match just days before the event.
The showdown between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul is set for December 19 in Miami, with the fight airing live on Netflix as part of Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle. Groves, speaking to FootItalia, criticized Hearn’s motivations, suggesting that Joshua should prioritize facing more credible opponents instead of engaging in what he sees as a money-driven spectacle.
Despite the controversy surrounding the fight, Joshua remains focused on the bout and has vowed to give his all against Paul. The 36-year-old is not taking the match lightly and is already looking ahead to potential future matchups, including a possible clash with Tyson Fury. Joshua emphasized his commitment to his craft and the responsibility he feels as a prominent figure in the boxing world.