George Groves has criticized boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, alleging that Hearn has betrayed Anthony Joshua. Groves suggests that Joshua should back out of his upcoming fight with Jake Paul, urging him to walk away from the bout.
The former two-time world heavyweight champion is scheduled to face the YouTuber-turned-boxer in Miami, Florida, on Friday night. The match will consist of eight three-minute rounds, with both fighters wearing 10oz gloves. The outcome of the fight will be reflected in their professional records.
Following his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, Joshua has been inactive in the ring. However, he views the bout with Paul as an opportunity to gain valuable experience before returning to competitive boxing in 2026.
Groves, a former super-middleweight champion, has expressed his strong opinion on the fight, criticizing Hearn for his handling of Joshua. Groves believes Joshua should withdraw from the fight, citing dissatisfaction with the promoter’s decisions.
The heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul is set for December 19 in Miami. Fans can watch the fight live on Netflix, available for free with Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle, marking the lowest price for Sky TV.
In a statement to FootItalia, Groves stated, “Eddie Hearn has sold AJ out. Promoters prioritize financial gain over fighters’ interests. It would have been admirable if Joshua had chosen to fight a more deserving opponent. I would advise Joshua to walk away from this match as it does not meet his standards.”
Despite doubts surrounding the bout, Joshua is focused on defeating his opponent decisively. The former champion is determined to excel in the fight and is already looking forward to future challenges, including a potential showdown with Tyson Fury.
Joshua emphasized his commitment to the sport, asserting his readiness to give his all in the ring. He acknowledged the high expectations placed on him and expressed his determination to meet and surpass them, emphasizing his respect for the sport and his opponents.