Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith has directly confronted and dismissed widespread speculation that Anthony Joshua's upcoming heavyweight showdown with Jake Paul is a predetermined contest.
Fight Details and Fixing Allegations
The highly anticipated bout was officially confirmed on Monday afternoon, scheduled for December 19 in Miami. The contest will be fought over eight three-minute rounds with both fighters wearing 10oz gloves, and crucially, the result will count on their professional records.
Since turning professional in 2020, Jake Paul has consistently faced accusations of fight fixing, though he has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The announcement of his fight with two-time heavyweight champion Joshua has sparked renewed criticism from boxing purists, with many labelling the match as 'rigged'.
Official Response from Matchroom
Smith, who serves as Eddie Hearn's right-hand man, addressed these concerns during an appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show. "It's an eight round professional fight. No different to a normal professional fight," Smith stated emphatically.
He went further to explain Joshua's mindset, adding: "AJ would not have taken it if that was the stance it had to be... if it was an exhibition, if it was 'you have got to hold him up for eight rounds.' It would not suit Anthony Joshua. Anthony Joshua is going in there to knock out Jake Paul. And that is what you will see on December 19."
How the Fight Came Together
The path to this unexpected matchup has been anything but straightforward. Paul initially called out Joshua earlier this year, and both fighters even agreed to a 2026 bout during a phone conversation. However, discussions appeared to stall in subsequent months.
The 'Problem Child' hasn't fought since his decision victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in June. His planned bout against Gervonta Davis was scrapped after Davis faced serious legal allegations, including battery, false imprisonment and kidnapping from a former girlfriend.
Smith provided insight into the rapid negotiation process: "There was talk obviously a while back about it, and then they did the 'Tank' fight. There was a lot of discussions about it potentially happening in 2026... early part of 2026."
"Then the 'Tank' fight fell out and I think they were then looking at opportunities. Nakisa got onto Eddie (Hearn) about it and then those discussions started. It all moved very quickly to be honest with you," Smith revealed.
The Matchroom CEO expressed surprise at Paul's willingness to face Joshua, commenting: "They had a lot of options of course. We did not really think he would be mad enough to take on the Anthony Joshua, but fair play to him. He did it. It was done within a week or so of it happening."
Professional Assessment
Smith didn't shy away from giving his professional opinion on the matchup, admitting he wouldn't have recommended the fight if he were managing Paul. "I wouldn't push it, myself... Anthony Joshua is on a whole other level. Tommy Fury beat Jake Paul, and people forget that... Maybe he's gone a step too far. That's probably the reality," he stated frankly.
Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul will take place in Miami on December 19, just six days before Christmas. The main event is expected to begin around 11pm local time (4am UK time), though these times may vary depending on the undercard duration. The event will be broadcast live on Netflix.
