Eddie Hearn rebuts Jake Paul’s claims about Anthony Joshua fight
Eddie Hearn has rejected Jake Paul’s assertion that he managed to wobble Anthony Joshua during their heavyweight clash on 19 December, insisting that the Briton was never in danger of losing the contest, reports BritPanorama.
The Matchroom Boxing promoter responded with amusement following Paul’s comments on his brother Logan’s “Impaulsive” podcast. Hearn remarked that Paul was “so far out of his depth,” emphasizing the inherent mismatch between the fighters.
Speaking to Ring Magazine, Hearn stated, “It was a horrendous mismatch so you can’t expect him to go in there and stand and trade for three minutes.” The bout, held at Miami’s Kaseya Center, concluded in the sixth round when Joshua halted Paul, who reportedly sustained a fractured jaw and has since undergone successful surgery.
Despite the decisive finish, Hearn acknowledged Paul’s resilience, stating, “His job was to survive and look how far he got. I didn’t expect him to go that many rounds.” Joshua himself noted that he was not fully satisfied with his performance, attributing it to ring rust.
While Hearn dismissed claims that Joshua was ever genuinely hurt, he conceded that Paul landed some notable punches, adding, “He definitely didn’t wobble AJ, but he landed his biggest shots.” Hearn’s comments highlighted the physical disparity between the two fighters, indicating that Paul lacked the necessary size and power to pose a serious threat to Joshua.
Matchroom Boxing is preparing to collaborate with Saudi entertainment chief Turki Alalshikh on Joshua’s next outing, with a tentative return date set for February or March. Meanwhile, Paul is expected to take a longer break to recuperate from his surgery and focus on his business interests with Most Valuable Promotions.
In a reflective moment, Paul mentioned his experience in the ring, stating, “I see where I could have done better so I’m a little disappointed but I also know how good he is. I had him wobbled at one point, but he had his hands up better this fight.” It remains a testament to how boxers navigate the unpredictable nature of the sport – where moments of potential glory can just as easily slip away in the face of experienced opposition.
