Hearn Declares Boxing's Demise If Joshua Fails Against Paul

Promoter Eddie Hearn claims Anthony Joshua's defeat to Jake Paul would terminate professional boxing's credibility, insisting the sport's survival hinges on Joshua's victory. Hearn predicts Paul will be stopped within two rounds as Joshua faces immense pressure to uphold boxing's integrity.

By Chris Posiano

November 29, 2025 at 3:43 AM

8,710 views

Promoter Eddie Hearn has issued a stark ultimatum regarding Anthony Joshua's upcoming bout against Jake Paul, declaring that a loss for the former heavyweight champion would effectively end professional boxing as a legitimate sport. Speaking with Sky Sports, Hearn emphasized the catastrophic implications of such an outcome, stating bluntly: "Should I be proven wrong about this fight, my career is finished. Not only must AJ and I walk away, but the entire boxing establishment should consider retirement. Anthony, the future of this sport rests entirely on your shoulders."

The December 19 showdown in Miami pits Olympic gold medalist and two-time world champion Joshua against Paul, the social media personality turned professional boxer with a 13-fight record primarily contested at cruiserweight. Hearn dismissed any notion of Paul posing a credible threat, characterizing him as "a solid top-50 cruiserweight" but fundamentally incapable of challenging elite heavyweights. "No non-world-class cruiserweight can step up and defeat Anthony Joshua," Hearn asserted. "If that changes on December 19, we've all failed boxing."

Hearn predicted a swift and brutal conclusion to the contest, forecasting Joshua would "obliterate" Paul within the opening minutes. "This is a genuine sanctioned fight with no prearranged outcomes," the promoter stressed. "Within seconds of the bell, Paul will comprehend the gravity of his mistake. There's zero escape – the moment Joshua senses vulnerability, it's over. Paul will discover exactly what real boxing entails, and it won't be pleasant."

When questioned about Joshua's victory parameters, Hearn insisted anything beyond a two-round demolition would disappoint fans. "AJ lacks the patience for a prolonged affair. The instant Paul shows aggression – or fails to defend himself – it's finished. If Paul survives past round two, I'll be deeply disappointed. This fight ends when Joshua smells blood, and that happens almost immediately."

Hearn's comments underscore the extraordinary stakes surrounding the event, framing Joshua's performance as critical to preserving boxing's credibility against the rising tide of influencer-driven spectacle matches. The promoter concluded by acknowledging Paul's courage for accepting the challenge while warning: "Fair play to Jake for signing a real fight, but this will expose precisely why boxing remains the ultimate test of skill and heart."