Anthony Joshua losing to Jake Paul next month would mean the end of boxing as we know it, says Eddie Hearn.
Joshua and Paul are set to square off next month in Miami, and on paper the fight is a massive mismatch.
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“AJ” is an Olympic gold medalist and two-time unified heavyweight world champion with 32 professional fights under his belt, while Paul is a crossover star who has 13 bouts to his name.
Additionally, Joshua stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 50 pounds heavier than the 6-foot-1 Paul, who mostly fights at cruiserweight.
For Hearn, Joshua’s long-time promoter, the size and experience difference is just too much for Paul to overcome.
But if he does, Hearn suggested that the sport would forever be changed.
“He is a top 50, in the world, cruiserweight,” Hearn told Sky Sports of Paul.
“He is a legitimate cruiserweight now. I just don’t think he’s world class and I don’t think there’s any non-world class cruiserweight that can step up to heavyweight and beat Anthony Joshua.
“Maybe I’m wrong. If I’m wrong, I think my time’s up. Not just AJ and me retire, I think we should all retire. So AJ the weight of boxing is on your shoulders, my man!”
While entertaining the worst-case scenario for his fighter is more of a thought exercise for Hearn, who firmly believes Joshua will dispatch of his opponent quickly, the Matchroom boss gave respect to Paul for stepping into what he says will be a “straightforward obliteration.”
“Fair play to Jake Paul. He’s signed up for a real fight,” Hearn said.
“Within less than a minute of that fight he is going to think to himself: ‘What on earth have I done here?’ And more importantly: ‘What am I going to do?’
“There is absolutely no escape for Jake Paul in this fight… You will find out very quickly what this game is all about. And it will not be pleasant for you.”
As for how quickly he expects Joshua to end the bout, Hearn predicted that the fight will be over inside six minutes.
“AJ, he’s got no interest in hanging around. He’s not capable of doing that,” Hearn said. “He can’t do it because the minute he smells weakness, the minute he smells blood, he’s letting his hands go.
“And the minute he lets his hands go in this fight, there’s a major problem for Jake Paul.
“Will he have a look for a minute? Maybe. But if Jake Paul shows any sign of aggression, the fight’s over. And if he doesn’t he’s going to get walked down and beaten up.
“I would say two rounds is fair for Anthony Joshua. I would be disappointed if AJ didn’t get him out of there in two rounds.”
Meanwhile, fight fans have been left fearing the worst for “The Problem Child” after Joshua released photos of his shredded physique on Monday.
AJ shared shots of himself to social media appearing to be in unbelievable shape, declaring: “There’s no tomorrow.”
The Brit’s photos have prompted fans to predict a short and violent night for Paul.
“Don’t think Jake Paul knew what he signed up for,” replied one.
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“We might actually see a murder on TV,” said another.
If looks mean anything, the court of public opinion has already delivered its verdict – and it’s not kind for Paul.
Some of this article first appeared on DAZN.com and was reproduced with permission.