Eddie Hearn calls potential Anthony Joshua versus Jake Paul fight results ’embarrassing’
Eddie Hearn has admitted that Anthony Joshua’s fight with Jake Paul going the distance would be ’embarrassing’ for the Briton as their Miami showdown rapidly approaches, reports BritPanorama.
In the early hours of Saturday morning, millions from around the world are expected to tune in to watch the action unfold, with Joshua the overwhelming favourite. The 36-year-old has been absent from the ring ever since losing to Daniel Dubois at Wembley back in September 2024, in what was one of the worst performances of his illustrious career.
Despite this setback, as a two-time world champion, Joshua enters his clash with Paul as the expected victor. Hearn, writing for the BBC, defended the bout, acknowledging that Paul, a polarising figure and former YouTuber, has garnered both criticism and admiration within the sport.
Joshua will need to secure a swift victory to avoid tarnishing his legacy, according to Hearn’s assessment. “We have a clear strategy in mind – to knock Jake out ASAP. Then we go into normal service being resumed in 2026,” he stated. Hearn further elaborated that any outcome where Joshua either loses or goes the distance with Paul would be “an absolute disaster and awfully embarrassing.”
While Paul may not have been a traditional boxer for long, he has fought 13 times since turning professional in 2020, managing seven knockouts along the way. His only defeat came against Tommy Fury in 2023. Paul remains confident in his abilities, despite Joshua’s vast experience.
Hearn expressed scepticism over opinions suggesting that Paul could pose a serious challenge. “I’ve heard the likes of Roy Jones Jr and Teddy Atlas saying you can’t count Jake out in this fight. Am I losing the plot here?” he questioned. He acknowledged that while Paul is a professional boxer who may rank in the upper tiers of cruiserweights, he ultimately believes Joshua should prevail decisively.
As the fight date approaches, the stakes for Joshua could not be higher. The outcome will likely influence his future plans, including conversations about a potential clash with Tyson Fury in February. This is a crucial moment not just for Joshua’s career but also for the evolving landscape of boxing and its crossover with celebrity culture.
The narrative of conflicting backgrounds and skills presents a compelling backdrop to what is set to be an electrifying event, demonstrating how the world of boxing is increasingly converging with mainstream entertainment in surprising ways.
