Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has publicly addressed the controversial professional bout between two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua and YouTube sensation turned boxer Jake Paul, confirming the fight is very much 'real'.
The Fight Details Confirmed
In a stunning development for the sport, the clash is officially scheduled for December 19 in Miami. The contest will be staged as a professional heavyweight fight over eight three-minute rounds, with both combatants wearing 10oz gloves. A specific stipulation has been imposed on Joshua, who cannot weigh more than 245lbs for the encounter against the naturally smaller Paul, a cruiserweight.
The financial incentive for the British former champion is colossal, with reports indicating Joshua is expected to earn a staggering £70 million from the single bout.
Hearn's Candid Take on the Event
Breaking his silence days after the official announcement, Hearn did not hold back. He acknowledged the public sentiment, stating, "We think the fight is very straightforward. There’s a lot of people that are very excited about the thought of Anthony Joshua almost evaporating Jake Paul from the actual boxing world."
He expressed a degree of admiration for Paul's audacity, noting, "You have to admire the front of Jake Paul and the heart... he’s had criticism about the level of opposition. Now he steps up to a whole new stratosphere."
From a strategic standpoint, Hearn revealed the fight aligns with plans for a winter tune-up, but on an unimaginable financial scale. "We were planning potentially a little eight-round runout later this year. And now the eight-round runout will be against Jake Paul for more money than we could have ever dreamed of," he admitted.
Looking Beyond the Paul Fight
Hearn was quick to assure fans that this event does not derail Joshua's serious world title ambitions. He emphasised that the "serious stuff begins in 2026", a sentiment echoed by Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh.
Alalshikh has outlined a major plan for Joshua, which includes a fight in Saudi Arabia in February, followed by what is being touted as "one of the greatest fights in the history of boxing" in London, potentially in September. This is widely believed to be the long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury, provided Joshua wins his early-year bouts.
Ultimately, for Hearn and Team Joshua, the decision was simple. "This was really an offer we couldn’t refuse," he stated, before reiterating the fight's legitimacy: "And, as AJ said... no mercy! You know, this ain’t no exhibition. This is a real heavyweight fight."
When and Where to Watch
The Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul fight will take place on Thursday, December 19. The main event ringwalks are expected around 11 PM local time in Miami (4 AM GMT on Friday, December 20, in the UK). The entire event will be broadcast live globally on the streaming platform Netflix.
