Matchroom CEO Frank Smith has refuted rumors suggesting that the upcoming fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua will be fixed. Reports emerged last week indicating that Joshua and Paul were finalizing arrangements for a Christmas clash, which was later confirmed on Monday to be set for December 19 in Miami. The heavyweight bout will consist of eight three-minute rounds with both fighters using 10oz gloves.
The outcome of the fight will be recorded on their professional records. Despite facing accusations of fixing fights since his debut in 2020, Paul has consistently denied any wrongdoing in his career. The boxing community has criticized the fight between the 28-year-old and Joshua, with many branding it as ‘rigged.’
Smith, an associate of Eddie Hearn, downplayed these concerns just weeks before the scheduled showdown, emphasizing that it is a standard professional fight. The event will be live-streamed on Netflix, available for free with Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle, touted as the brand’s most affordable Sky TV option.
Regarding the match, Smith highlighted that Joshua is focused on securing a knockout victory against Paul, dismissing any notion of a fixed outcome. Paul had initially expressed interest in facing Joshua earlier this year, with discussions progressing rapidly after a recent canceled bout. Despite initial doubts, Joshua accepted the challenge, prompting Smith to acknowledge the risk involved in the decision.
The highly anticipated clash between Joshua and Paul is scheduled to take place in Miami on December 19, just ahead of Christmas. The ring entrance is expected around 11pm local time, translating to 4am in the UK, catering to the American audience. Details of the fight times may vary based on the undercard duration, and the event will be broadcast live on Netflix.