Matchroom CEO Frank Smith has refuted claims that the upcoming fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua will be fixed. Speculations arose last week regarding a potential showdown between Joshua and Paul, with the heavyweight bout officially set to occur on December 19 in Miami. The fight is scheduled for eight three-minute rounds, with both fighters using 10oz gloves.
Despite past accusations of fight-fixing against Paul since his debut in 2020, the American boxer has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Criticism within the boxing community has labeled the upcoming match between Paul and Joshua as ‘rigged.’
In response to doubts about the fight’s integrity, Eddie Hearn’s associate, Smith, dismissed concerns, emphasizing that it is a standard professional bout. He made these comments during an appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show.
The highly-anticipated clash between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul is set to be live-streamed on Netflix, accessible to fans through Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle. Smith emphasized that Joshua is entering the ring with the intention to knock out Paul, reassuring fans of the fight’s competitive nature.
Paul initially expressed interest in facing Joshua earlier this year, with discussions eventually leading to their upcoming match. The fight agreement swiftly came to fruition after Paul’s previous bout was canceled due to his opponent’s legal issues.
Smith revealed that while he may not have advised Paul to face Joshua, the decision was made quickly, showcasing Paul’s eagerness for the challenge. The fight is expected to take place just days before Christmas, likely around 11pm local time in Miami. Viewers can watch the event live on Netflix, with the fight time subject to change based on the undercard duration.