George Groves has expressed his belief that boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has betrayed Anthony Joshua and suggested that the heavyweight champion should withdraw from his upcoming fight against Jake Paul.
The former two-time heavyweight world champion is set to face the YouTuber-turned-boxer in Miami, Florida, in an eight-round bout with 10oz gloves, counting towards their professional records. Joshua, who last fought in September 2024, sees this fight as vital preparation for his return to competitive boxing in 2026 after his defeat to Daniel Dubois.
Groves, a former super-middleweight champion, criticized Hearn for his handling of Joshua’s career, urging the British boxer to walk away from the showdown with Paul. The highly anticipated fight is scheduled for December 19 in Miami and will be available for streaming on Netflix through Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle.
In a statement to FootItalia, Groves questioned Hearn’s motives, highlighting the financial aspect of boxing promotions. He suggested that Joshua should opt for a more worthy opponent, emphasizing the importance of professional integrity over financial gain.
Despite the controversy surrounding the match, Joshua remains focused and determined to dominate his upcoming opponent. The 36-year-old ex-world champion vowed to give his best in the ring and hinted at future potential matchups, possibly including a showdown with Tyson Fury.
Joshua emphasized his commitment to the sport and his preparedness for the fight, expressing his willingness to do whatever it takes to secure victory. With his eyes set on future challenges, Joshua is poised to deliver an impressive performance in Miami and continue his journey in the boxing world.