Anthony Joshua Losing to Jake Paul Would Be “The End for Boxing,” Says Eddie Hearn

Promoter Eddie Hearn has issued a dramatic warning ahead of Anthony Joshua’s upcoming heavyweight showdown with Jake Paul, insisting that a loss for the former world champion would be catastrophic for the sport. Joshua and Paul are set to meet on December 19 in Miami, in a fight that has generated massive global attention. While Paul has transitioned from YouTuber to professional boxer with 13 fights under his belt, he now faces an Olympic gold medallist and two-time heavyweight world champion in Joshua. Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn said he cannot imagine a scenario in which Joshua loses — and suggested that such an upset would force the entire sport into embarrassment. “If I’m wrong, I think my time’s up. Not just AJ and me retire — I think we should all retire,” Hearn declared. “So AJ, the weight of boxing is on your shoulders, my man.” “This Would Be a Straightforward Obliteration” — Hearn Despite acknowledging Paul as a “top 50 cruiserweight,” Hearn was blunt about the skill gap between the fighters. “I don’t think any non-world-class cruiserweight can step up to heavyweight and beat Anthony Joshua,” Hearn said. “I really believe this is going to be a straightforward obliteration.” Hearn also emphasized that the bout is a legitimate, fully sanctioned contest. “Fair play to Jake Paul — he’s signed up for a real fight. But within less than a minute, he’s going to be thinking: ‘What on earth have I done?’” Jake Paul Eyes Fury Next Paul has remained defiant in the face of widespread skepticism. During the press conference, he boldly predicted: “I’m knocking AJ out… and then fighting Tyson Fury in 2026.” The American entertainer-turned-boxer has been gradually building his résumé, but many analysts believe he is now entering completely unfamiliar territory by facing a top-level heavyweight. Joshua Expected to Finish Fight Early Hearn said Joshua has no intention of dragging the fight out. “AJ’s not capable of hanging around. The minute he smells weakness or blood, he’s letting his hands go… and that’s a major problem for Jake Paul.” He suggested that Joshua should finish the fight inside two rounds. “Two rounds is fair. I’d be disappointed if AJ didn’t get him out of there in two.” The bout is one of the most talked-about matchups of the year, blending star power, controversy, and high stakes — with Hearn insisting that Joshua’s victory is essential to protect the reputation of the sport itself.

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Anthony Joshua May Fight in Ghana on December 20

Anthony Joshua and Matchroom Boxing will co-promote a show in Ghana, Africa, on December 20, and there remains a chance that Joshua could yet appear on that bill.   Joshua has longed for a fight in Africa, and the Legon Sports Stadium event is topped by the attractive light-heavyweight clash between Craig Richards and Dan Azeez, with Indian star Nishant Dev and heavyweight prospect Leo Atang also slated to appear.   BoxingScene understands that Joshua is in the frame to fight, although any announcement on his next steps would likely only be confirmed by the former heavyweight champion himself.   Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn has been inundated with inquiries about Joshua’s return and, asked recently by Boxing Social whether Joshua could box in 2025, Hearn said: “Possibly.”   Then, Hearn added: “There will be no big-name fight this year. It wouldn’t be a headline, it wouldn’t be a pay-per-view, you don’t have to moan about it, it can just be part of something that’s already existed and on sale – so there would be no one moaning. It’s just part of the development of getting into position of being 100 per cent ready for the big gamble.   “If he fights this year, he won’t headline. We want to work almost in silence and improve and get into the mode of being 100 per cent ready. This is about development and a bit of activity. It’s not about the money, it’s if we’re working on things… sometimes if you’ve been out of the ring for so long and you’re working on things, maybe you’ve got other people in different camps you’re working with, you don’t want to go back to an arena in front of 80,000 in a really tough fight and know that you’ve got to get it right after 16 months… This is for us. This is for ‘AJ’.”   Ghana has lifted its brief ban on professional boxing after two fatalities in the country’s prize rings.   The Ghana Boxing Federation’s interim management committee and their medical sub-committee filed “an upgraded draft of comprehensive medical and safety protocols for boxing in Ghana”, having worked closely with the National Sports Authority and Ministry of Sports and Recreation.   Whether or not Joshua attends in a capacity other than a co-promoter remains to be seen, but Hearn told Boxing Social: “We’re going to get him in prime condition for the big one, and that’s all that matters.”   Asked what “the big one” was, Hearn responded: “Tyson Fury.”  

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Anthony Joshua visits Ogun State Governor

British-born Nigerian heavyweight boxer, Anthony Joshua has paid courtesy visit to the Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun. Joshua, an indigene of Ogun State is currently in Nigeria on holidays. In a video posted on X formerly Twitter, Joshua prostrated for the Ogun State helmsman, while both men exchanged pleasantries. “Today, we had the distinct honour of welcoming Anthony Joshua, the world-acclaimed boxing champion and a proud son of Ogun State, to our office during his courtesy visit. “Anthony Joshua’s remarkable achievements in the world of boxing continue to inspire not only the people of Ogun State but also millions across the globe. His dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence are values we hold dear as a state. “This visit is a testament to the bond we share as a people and our collective pride in the success stories that emerge from Ogun State. We remain committed to supporting our talents and creating an environment that nurtures greatness in all spheres of life. “Together, we celebrate Anthony Joshua’s accomplishments and look forward to more victories as he continues to make Ogun State proud,” Governor Abiodun posted on his X handle. Meanwhile, Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn has revealed the boxer will fight twice in the coming year. Joshua’s last fight came in September when he faced rising prospect Daniel Dubois in a bid to become a three-time world heavyweight champion. The 35-year-old entered the clash off the back of four impressive victories, including a vicious second-round KO of former UFC heavyweight king Francis Ngannou in March. Ultimately though Dubois would hand AJ the fourth defeat of his professional career by stopping Joshua in the fifth round and defending his IBF title in the process. Joshua had been expected to rematch Dubois in early 2025 before he was convinced to recover from injuries and seek a return later in the year. Instead, Dubois will defend his title against perennial contender Joseph Parker in February on the undercard of the undisputed light heavyweight rematch between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. Asked when fans can expect AJ’s return to the ring, Hearn revealed plans are tentatively in place. ‘In May or June,’ Hearn told iFL TV. ‘He’s not in full training yet. He’s probably ready to resume training in January.’ After Tyson Fury was defeated by Oleksandr Usyk for a second time earlier this month, Hearn championed the idea of a long-awaited showdown between the Gypsy King and Joshua. While he again hinted that the all-British showdown could finally take place in 2025, Hearn insisted that they would not rush into any future plans. He continued: ‘At the moment, you’ve got the Dubois fight on February 22nd. ‘And you’ve got to see what Fury wants to do. We’re not in a terrible rush. AJ will fight twice in 2025. Once in the summer and once in the winter. ‘If we can’t make the Dubois fight and if Fury doesn’t want to fight, then you have to make the decision to fight somebody, or do you wait for those fights? ‘I can’t speak on behalf of AJ, for who he’s prepared to fight. But what I know is the focus is Daniel Dubois or Tyson Fury. ‘Of course, Joshua’s done it all. If he gets Fury on his resume, he’s boxed virtually everybody of his era.’

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