George Groves has expressed his belief that boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has betrayed Anthony Joshua and thinks the heavyweight champion should back out of his upcoming fight with Jake Paul.
Scheduled to take place in Miami, Florida, on Friday night, the bout between Joshua and Paul will consist of eight three-minute rounds with both fighters using 10oz gloves. The outcome will be recorded on their professional records.
Having not competed since his defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, Joshua sees this fight as an opportunity to prepare for his return to competitive boxing in 2026.
Groves, a former super-middleweight champion, criticized Hearn for his handling of Joshua’s career, suggesting that Joshua should withdraw from the match just days before it begins.
The clash between Joshua and Paul is set to happen in Miami on December 19, and fans can watch it live on Netflix with Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle, the lowest price Sky has offered for its TV service.
In an interview with FootItalia, Groves criticized Hearn for prioritizing financial gains over Joshua’s career, urging Joshua to fight opponents more deserving of his talent.
Despite skepticism surrounding the fight, Joshua is focused on defeating Paul and has vowed to give his best. Looking beyond this fight, Joshua is eyeing potential matchups, including one with Tyson Fury.
Joshua emphasized his serious approach to the fight, stating his intent to win decisively. He acknowledged the pressure and expectations but remains focused on his own standards and goals in the sport.