Is the announced duel on December 19 between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua in jeopardy? Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn has now spoken out.
The controversy surrounding the upcoming fight between internet star Jake Paul and former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua is currently omnipresent. The YouTuber turned boxer is set to take on the 36-year-old Brit in a sanctioned heavyweight bout on December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida (USA). The Paul vs. Joshua duel will be broadcast exclusively by the streaming service Netflix.
“Doubt that this fight will happen”
At the press conference announcing the fight earlier this month, Paul vowed that he was “ready to die” and wanted to “shock” Joshua. But recently, skepticism grew that the American could back out of his contract before fight night. “I seriously doubt that this fight between Jake and Anthony will happen,” explained welterweight Ryan Garcia. “The disadvantage is just too big, it doesn’t make sense. After the press conference, it’s obvious.”
After all, “AJ”, who is twelve centimeters taller than Paul, agreed to a weight limit of 245 pounds (around 111 kilograms). “The Problemchild” usually boxes in a cruiserweight of around 90 kilos, but will certainly put on a few pounds for the duel with the tough puncher from London.
Good timing for fight against “AJ”
Eddie Hearn does not believe that the nonetheless unequal fight will be canceled. “Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions have invested a lot of money,” explained Joshua’s promoter. “Jake would look like a fool if he pulled out of the fight now, he knows that.” Hearn also believes that now is a good time to fight his protégé.
“He’s coming off a fourteen-month break,” commented the Matchroom boss. “Plus AJ has been in training camp for four weeks, has to keep his weight up and maybe his confidence isn’t as high as it was at the start of his career.” But Joshua is taking things very seriously. “He’s preparing for Jake Paul like it’s a world-class heavyweight contender,” Hearn assured. The Paul vs. Joshua duel on December 19 is scheduled for eight rounds.
Text: Frank Schwantes