George Groves has expressed his belief that boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has betrayed Anthony Joshua and suggests that the heavyweight fighter should opt out of his match against Jake Paul. The former two-time heavyweight champion is set to face the YouTuber-turned-boxer in Miami, Florida, in an eight-round bout with 10oz gloves, with the result impacting their professional records.
Joshua, who last fought in September 2024 and suffered a knockout defeat against Daniel Dubois, views the upcoming fight as an opportunity to gain valuable experience before his return to competitive boxing in 2026. Groves, a former super-middleweight champion, criticized Hearn for his handling of the situation, urging Joshua to reconsider the fight just days before the scheduled event.
The highly anticipated clash between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul is scheduled for December 19 in Miami, with the fight available for live streaming on Netflix as part of Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle. Groves expressed his disappointment in Hearn’s focus on financial gain rather than Joshua’s professional integrity, suggesting that Joshua should step away from the fight and choose a more deserving opponent.
Despite the controversy surrounding the match, Joshua remains focused and determined, stating his readiness to face Paul and hinting at future prospects, including a potential bout with Tyson Fury. Joshua emphasized his commitment to his craft, expressing his willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed in the ring and carry the sport forward.