Matchroom CEO Frank Smith has refuted claims that the upcoming fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua will be fixed.
Recent reports suggested that Joshua and Paul were finalizing arrangements for a Christmas clash, and on Monday, their heavyweight showdown set for December 19 in Miami was officially announced. The fight will consist of eight three-minute rounds with both fighters using 10oz gloves.
Despite allegations of fight-fixing against Paul since his debut in 2020, he has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Criticism from the boxing community has labeled the upcoming match with Joshua as ‘rigged.’
In response to these doubts, Eddie Hearn’s associate, Smith, downplayed concerns, emphasizing that the bout is a standard eight-round professional fight. He highlighted Joshua’s intention to knock out Paul, emphasizing the competitive nature of the event.
The fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul is scheduled for December 19 in Miami and will be streamed live on Netflix. Viewers can access the fight for free through Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle.
Paul, known as the ‘Problem Child,’ had been seeking a high-profile fight this year, with Joshua eventually accepting the challenge. Smith revealed that discussions for the fight accelerated after a previous match fell through, ultimately leading to the quick agreement between the two parties.
The Matchroom CEO expressed skepticism about Paul’s decision to face Joshua, considering the latter’s elite status in the sport. The event’s timing, just days before Christmas, is expected to cater to the American audience, with the live broadcast on Netflix.
