A headline-making column by Eddie Hearn, the promoter behind Britain’s top-tier boxing star Anthony Joshua, has stirred debate across the sport. Hearn, writing for the BBC, made it clear that Joshua’s upcoming fight with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul is a pivotal moment for the former two-time world heavyweight champion.
The Promoter’s Bold Statement
Hearn’s column opens with a stark warning: “an absolute disaster and awfully embarrassing.” The British fighter’s promoter says that a loss to Paul would tarnish Joshua’s legacy. He frames the matchup as “crazy” – a decision that has shocked many in the boxing community.
In the same breath, Hearn stresses that the bout is part of a larger plan to reignite Joshua’s career. The 36-year-old former Olympic gold medalist will earn “one of his career-high paydays” for an eight-round fight that will air on Netflix. Hearn’s tone is unapologetically confident that Joshua is ready for the challenge.
A Structured Road to Glory
The promoter outlines a clear trajectory for Joshua: “AJ will fight against a world-class opponent in February and – if all goes well – he will then fight Tyson Fury.” Hearn sees the Paul fight as a stepping stone to a potential bout with former British heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. He acknowledges that the plan is risky, yet insists that a loss to Paul would be “an absolute disaster and awfully embarrassing.”
Hearn also addresses expectations about Joshua’s performance. He predicts that the champion will “take two or three rounds to size up Paul,” but remains confident that Joshua will “walk through this guy.” The promoter’s comments are aimed at reassuring fans that the fight is a genuine test of skill, not a manufactured spectacle.
Integrity of the Contest
A central theme in Hearn’s column is the integrity of the match. He writes: “Firstly, we’d be investigated by the FBI if it was,” stressing that any scripted outcome would be illegal and would undermine the sport’s legitimacy. Hearn continues: “This is a professional contest and a sanctioned bout where people are betting on it.” The promoter is adamant that he would never allow a scripted scenario where Joshua “might lose or even hold him up and look bad.” He dismisses the idea of giving Paul an edge or a chance to claim superiority, stating: “No way. We are not giving this guy an edge or a chance to say, ‘Told you I was better than AJ’ or ‘I won rounds.’ This would be catastrophic for AJ and we’re not going to risk that.”
The fight will take place at the Kaseya Center in Miami, and the promoter’s remarks underline the seriousness with which he views the contest. By highlighting the potential legal ramifications and the importance of a fair, unscripted bout, Hearn aims to protect both Joshua’s legacy and the sport’s reputation.
Key Takeaways
- Eddie Hearn warns that a loss to Jake Paul would be “an absolute disaster and awfully embarrassing.”
- The match is part of a strategic plan to position Joshua for a future fight with Tyson Fury.
- Hearn insists the bout will be a genuine contest, free from any scripting or manipulation.
The promoter’s column serves as both a defense of Joshua’s decision to fight Paul and a statement of intent for the champion’s future. While the fight’s outcome remains uncertain, Hearn’s words set the tone for how the sport’s top stakeholders view the upcoming showdown.
Closing Thoughts
Eddie Hearn’s column is a rare glimpse into the mind of a promoter steering one of boxing’s biggest names. By framing the Joshua-Paul fight as a necessary challenge rather than a gimmick, Hearn underscores the importance of integrity, strategy, and legacy in the sport. As the fight approaches, fans and critics alike will watch closely to see whether the champion can live up to the expectations he has set.
