Matchroom CEO Frank Smith has refuted claims that the upcoming fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua will be fixed. Reports surfaced last week suggesting that Joshua and Paul were finalizing an agreement to face off this Christmas. Their heavyweight showdown, scheduled for December 19 in Miami, will consist of eight three-minute rounds with both fighters using 10oz gloves. Importantly, the outcome will be recorded on their professional records.
Since his debut in 2020, Paul has faced allegations of match-fixing, which he has consistently denied. Critics within the boxing community have criticized the 28-year-old’s bout with Joshua, labeling it as potentially rigged. However, Smith, a key figure in Eddie Hearn’s team, dismissed these concerns on a recent show, emphasizing that the fight is a standard professional bout without any unusual stipulations.
The highly anticipated clash between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul will be live-streamed on Netflix on December 19. Fans can access the fight for free with Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle, which Sky advertises as their ‘lowest ever price’ for Sky TV packages. Smith reaffirmed that Joshua is entering the ring with the intention to knock out Paul, highlighting the seriousness of the fight.
Paul had initially expressed interest in facing Joshua earlier this year, leading to discussions between the two fighters. Following a victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in June, Paul’s planned fight against Gervonta Davis was canceled due to legal issues faced by Davis. Subsequently, Paul sought out other boxing stars for a fight opportunity, ultimately securing a match with Joshua for December 19.
Reflecting on the quick progression of the fight negotiations, Smith revealed that initial discussions about the potential matchup had taken place earlier before recent developments accelerated the process. Despite acknowledging Joshua’s elite status in boxing, Smith admitted surprise at Paul’s decision to challenge the heavyweight champion, expressing reservations about the matchup’s outcome. The event is expected to draw significant attention, with the fight likely to commence at around 11pm local time in Miami, corresponding to 4am in the UK. The live broadcast on Netflix aims to cater to a broad audience, with fight times subject to adjustments based on the undercard duration.