Anthony Joshua told to cancel Jake Paul fight as | Boxing News

George Groves has accused boxing promoter Eddie Hearn of betraying Anthony Joshua and believes the heavyweight ought to cancel his fight with Jake Paul. The former two-time super-middleweight world champion is scheduled to face the YouTuber-turned-pugilist on Friday night in Miami, Florida. Their encounter will happen over eight three-minute rounds, with both fighters sporting 10oz gloves.

Whatever the end result, the consequence might be recorded on their official skilled information. Joshua hasn’t stepped into the ring since struggling a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, but is utilising the contentious showdown with Paul to secure important ring time before returning to critical competitors in 2026.

Groves, a former super-middleweight titleholder, has delivered a scathing evaluation of the match-up. The 37-year-old claims Joshua’s promoter, Hearn, has let him down badly and that the Briton ought to pull out of the fight fully, just days before the first bell.

Speaking to FootItalia, Groves declared: “Eddie Hearn has sold AJ out. Promoters aren’t driven by the same things that fighters are driven by. They’re driven by money. The financial gain they get is their legacy. Wouldn’t it have been cool if Joshua just said, f*** that, I’m actually a professional.

“I’m going to fight somebody who’s worthy of sharing a ring with me. I feel it will’ve been robust for most people, but I’d stroll away if I used to be Joshua. It’s beneath me. Let another person take the money. Let another person promote out.”

Despite widespread doubts about the contest, Joshua has no intention of going easy on his opponent, with the former heavyweight king vowing to ‘kill’ his rival. The 36-year-old is anticipated to make short work of the boxing newcomer in their Miami clash before setting his sights on bigger prizes next year, potentially including a blockbuster encounter with Tyson Fury.

Joshua explained: “It’s not just that it is Jake,” adding: “I used to be really wanting at myself today, I’m a very respectful man introduced up by a good household. But if I can kill you, I’ll kill you. That’s just how I’m and this is just the job I do, so let’s go. I’m carrying boxing on my back, I did it with the Francis Ngannou fight and I’m doing it again.

“I understand the expectation, I don’t carry it because the expectation I have on myself is enough but I acknowledge it, I understand it and I respect it.”