Eddie Hearn admits a defeat for Anthony Joshua against Jake Paul is “unthinkable.”
Hearn, Joshua’s career long-promoter, reached a deal for the two-time heavyweight champion to face Paul on December 19 in Miami, live on Netflix.
The bout will be contested over eight, three-minute rounds and will go on each man’s record.
‘AJ’ heads into the bout as a heavy favourite, with Paul facing undoubtedly the toughest test of his 13-fight professional career.
And Hearn says a loss at the hands of ‘The Problem Child’ would force both him and ‘AJ’ into retirement.
Hearn told Sun Sport: “Of course, this is a top 50 or 60 cruiserweight in the world stepping up and fighting a top – even if you wanna be really critical top 10 – but I think top 5 heavyweight in the world.
“So it would be unthinkable.
“I mean, both AJ and myself would need to retire from the sport if we got beat against Jake.
“But it ain’t happening.”
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Paul, who was promoted by Hearn in his first professional outing in 2020, was supposed to have fought lightweight champion, Gervonta Davis on November 14, but the bout was cancelled after Davis was accused of hitting an ex-girlfriend in a civil lawsuit.
Paul reportedly sent offers to Ryan Garcia, Terence Crawford and Francis Ngannou – whom ‘AJ’ knocked out in two rounds last March – but opted for the Watford man after none of these bouts materialised.
Joshua fights for the first time since a devastating fifth round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last September and must weigh no heavier than 245lbs, over seven pounds lighter than he weighed against Dubois.
Joshua, 36, has a near 90% knockout ratio, but Paul insists he has no concerns about the danger potentially awaiting him.
“I know this is dangerous,” the 28-year-old said.
“If I take one of those punches that Francis Ngannou took and I’m on the canvas, let’s see how tough I am.
“Let’s see if I can get back up.
“But I’m ready for that. I’m prepared for that mentally and I know that he has to deal with me as well.
“This is not as one-sided a fight as people think.
“I have power. I have the ability to put people to sleep.”
