Eddie Hearn Makes Bold Promise Ahead of Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul Fight

Eddie Hearn has made a big claim about the future of both his own career and Anthony Joshua’s, as the former world heavyweight champion prepares to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on 19 December.

In a fight many fans never imagined would happen, Paul will step into the ring with Joshua at the Kaseya Center in Miami. It will be Joshua’s first bout since his heavy knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September last year.

Despite the huge difference in experience, Paul insists he can pull off a shocking upset and push himself into the heavyweight title picture. But Hearn has already warned what will happen if Joshua somehow loses.

Hearn, who has promoted Joshua since 2013, said that if Paul beats Joshua, it would be an even bigger shock than Buster Douglas’ famous 1990 win over Mike Tyson — often called the biggest upset in boxing history. He added that both he and Joshua would have to retire if such a result happened.

Speaking to SunSport, Hearn said:
“This is a top 50 or 60 cruiserweight fighting a top-five heavyweight. It would be unthinkable. Both AJ and myself would need to retire if we got beat by Jake. But it ain’t happening.”

Paul, however, believes he can cause chaos in Miami. At the press conference, he spoke about his confidence and how his self-belief has carried him throughout his boxing journey.

Paul said:
“I’ve got here through delusional optimism. It’s delusion until it’s not. No one thought this would ever be possible. No one thinks I’ll win. Be ready to be shocked.”

He went even further, adding:
“Self-belief is the most powerful thing. AJ will have to kill me to stop me. I’m ready to die in the ring to win this fight.”

Joshua and Paul faced off at the launch event, with fans already debating whether this fight is exciting, ridiculous, or both. But one thing is clear: Hearn has placed his reputation — and his career — firmly on the line.