LONDON (AP) — British boxer Anthony Joshua’s loss to Jake Paul would be “an absolute disaster and hugely embarrassing,” his promoter said Wednesday.
Eddie Hearn wrote in his column for the BBC that it was “crazy” for former two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist Joshua to be in the ring with Paul.
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However Hearn said it was part of a strategy to reignite the 36-year-old Joshua’s career while also giving him the “biggest payday of his career” in Friday’s eight-round bout, which will be shown on Netflix.
For Hearn, Joshua’s loss is not worth considering.
Hearn wrote of a potential meeting with another former British heavyweight champion: “AJ will be fighting a world-class opponent in February, and if all goes well it will be Tyson Fury.”
“So, there’s a method to this madness, and this game (against Paul) won’t affect AJ’s legacy. But losing to Jack, even going the distance will. It would be an absolute disaster, very embarrassing.”
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Hearn admitted Joshua “expected to go through this guy” but predicted it would take him two to three rounds to assess Paul.
He also insisted the fight would not go according to script.
“First, if it were, we would be under investigation by the FBI,” he wrote. “It’s illegal. It’s a professional game and it’s a sanctioned game and people can bet on it.
“Do you think I would allow AJ to team up with Jake? A script where we could lose or even hold him back and look bad? No way. We’re not going to give this guy an advantage or an opportunity to say, ‘Tell you I’m better than AJ’ or ‘I won a few rounds.’ That would be disastrous for AJ and we’re not going to take that risk.” “
The game will be held at the Casea Center in Miami.
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