George Groves has expressed his belief that boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has betrayed Anthony Joshua and suggests that the heavyweight should opt out of his upcoming fight with Jake Paul.

The former two-time heavyweight world champion is set to face the YouTuber-turned-boxer in Miami, Florida, in an eight-round bout where both fighters will wear 10oz gloves. The fight’s outcome will be reflected on their professional records.

Joshua, who last fought in September 2024 when he was knocked out by Daniel Dubois, sees the clash with Paul as a chance to gain vital experience before his return to competitive boxing in 2026.

Groves, a former super-middleweight champion, criticized Hearn for his handling of Joshua’s career, urging the British fighter to withdraw from the match just days before the scheduled fight.

The highly anticipated heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul is scheduled for December 19 in Miami. The fight will be available for live streaming on Netflix, accessible for free with Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle, marking the lowest price ever offered for Sky TV.

In a statement to FootItalia, Groves expressed his disappointment in Hearn’s actions, emphasizing that promoters prioritize financial gains over the fighters’ best interests. He suggested that Joshua should consider stepping away from the fight and facing a more deserving opponent.

Despite doubts surrounding the match, Joshua is determined to take the fight seriously and has vowed to dominate his opponent. The former world champion aims to secure a victory in Miami and looks forward to potential upcoming bouts, including a possible clash with Tyson Fury.

Joshua emphasized his commitment to his craft, stating that he is prepared to give his all in the ring and carry the weight of boxing on his shoulders, echoing his past performances and setting high expectations for himself.