Anthony Joshua has hit back at speculation that his upcoming fight with Jake Paul is “fixed”.
The British heavyweight, 36, will return to the ring on December 19 in Miami, where Netflix will broadcast the bout live from the Kaseya Center.
The fight marks Joshua’s first appearance since his brutal knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium last year — and his comeback has quickly become one of the most talked-about events of 2025.
But with chatter online suggesting that the matchup might be “scripted,” Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn and Joshua himself have both stepped forward to shut the rumours down.
“There is no stipulation in the contract”
Speaking to TMZ Sports, Joshua was direct in his response to claims of a pre-determined fight: “I understand their concerns, but this is the thing with Jake — they have got to start believing in him. They don’t believe it because they’re saying, ‘How is he beating these guys?’”
He continued: “I think they can’t get their heads around how he has beaten Anderson Silva, how did he beat Nate Diaz? How did he beat Mike Tyson? I am telling you, there is no stipulation in the contract where I have to take it easy on him.”
The former unified world champion added that, while he respects Paul’s hustle in transitioning into professional boxing, fans will quickly see the difference in levels when the bell rings in Miami.
Eddie Hearn: “Wait till you see what happens”
Hearn, who promotes Joshua under Matchroom, echoed those sentiments while responding to allegations that AJ will be forced to follow a “script” for December 19.
“Let me tell you the script for AJ against Jake Paul,” Hearn told iFL TV. “The bell’s going to go. AJ’s going to go out, take the middle of the ring, and he’s going to unload the heaviest artillery on Jake Paul’s chin he can as quickly as possible, and he’s going to knock him spark out.”
The promoter added bluntly: “If you think this is scripted, wait till you see what happens on December 19, because you will go, ‘F**k me.’ One thing’s for sure, that weren’t scripted.”
Hearn, who has publicly backed Joshua to “annihilate” Paul, believes the bout will remind fans of the heavyweight’s destructive power — and potentially set up an all-British super fight against Tyson Fury next year.
Jake Paul Calls For “Fair Fight”
Meanwhile, Jake Paul has tried to shift the conversation in his own direction. The 28-year-old American posted a “major announcement” after sustaining what appeared to be a sparring injury, prompting speculation that the fight might be postponed. But instead, Paul used the moment to call for a “fair fight.”
In a statement on social media, he wrote: “All I want is a fair fight. Even the odds. Joshua brought in Usyk. So only right I bring in Dubois. Had to be done.”
The comment referred to Paul’s latest signing — Caroline Dubois, the WBC lightweight world champion and younger sister of Daniel Dubois, the man who last stopped Joshua. Paul revealed that the undefeated 23-year-old will join his Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) roster and fight on the undercard in Miami.
“You dummies thought I was going to pull out of the fight? Ridiculous,” Paul added. “I’m just building. 5 years in. Creating a roster of the best. Welcome to MVP, Miss Dubois.”
Dubois, who won gold for Team GB at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and has an unblemished professional record (11 wins, five knockouts, and one no contest), will defend her lightweight title against Italy’s Camila Panatta on the night.
“Signing with MVP is the next step in my career,” Dubois said. “I’m proud to be under their roster, and I believe they will be able to help me on my quest for greatness. The mission must be to become the face of women’s boxing.”
In an Instagram post, she added: “I’m at the top for a reason – the work, the discipline, the mindset. And now with MVP behind me, the world is about to see a whole new level.”
A Can’t-Miss Spectacle
The main event itself — scheduled for eight three-minute rounds with 10oz gloves — continues Paul’s ongoing effort to legitimize himself in boxing. The undercard will also feature a matchup between Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley, both of whom have previously faced (and lost to) Paul.
Despite a career built in social media and entertainment, Paul’s record against high-profile opponents, including former UFC champions and even Mike Tyson, has forced fans and critics to reassess him — though questions about credibility persist.
Joshua, however, insists that any doubts about the fight’s authenticity will disappear as soon as the first bell sounds.
“There’s no taking it easy,” Joshua said. “People can say what they want, but when you get in that ring, it’s real. You’ll see for yourself.”
And if Hearn’s “script” plays out the way he expects, December 19 might not just be a defining night for Jake Paul — it could be the statement win Anthony Joshua needs to catapult himself back into heavyweight contention.
Because, as Hearn put it, “one thing’s for sure — that won’t be scripted.”
Featured image credit: Instagram/MostValuablePromotions/YouTube
