Anthony Joshua is set to face Jake Paul on December 19 in Miami, and according to his promoter, Eddie Hearn, the stakes could not be higher.
Hearn has warned that a loss to Paul could mark the end of the road for the heavyweight champion, putting not just Joshua’s next fight but his entire career and legacy on the line.
Speaking ahead of the bout, Hearn said, “If I’m wrong, I think my time’s up. Not just AJ and me retire — I think we should all retire.” For Hearn, the fight is about far more than a win or a loss; it is a test of Joshua’s enduring dominance and his place in boxing history.
Despite the high-pressure warning, Hearn expressed confidence that Joshua will prevail, predicting a knockout within the first two rounds. Still, he acknowledged the unpredictable nature of boxing, noting that anything can happen in the ring.
A defeat to Paul, Hearn stressed, would be more than just a loss—it could reshape public perception of the sport itself. The Olympic gold medalist and two-time heavyweight world champion risks falling to a fighter who rose to prominence on social media rather than through traditional boxing circuits. This scenario would shake fans’ expectations and the sport’s credibility.
Joshua’s age and the cumulative wear of his career add further weight to the matchup, and Hearn has hinted that 2026 could realistically be Joshua’s final year in boxing. The fight, therefore, represents a pivotal crossroads.
A loss could accelerate his exit from the sport, tarnish his record, and jeopardise future opportunities for high-profile bouts, including potential mega-fights such as a showdown with Tyson Fury. Conversely, a victory would allow Joshua to maintain his status and open doors to further legacy-defining matches.
For Hearn, the outcome is all-or-nothing. He has framed the fight as a moment that could decide whether Joshua continues to chase glory or steps away from boxing altogether. “That’s game over,” Hearn said, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
This clash, already one of the most anticipated heavyweight bouts of the year, carries implications far beyond belts, paychecks, and social media hype. On December 19, Joshua’s “win or exit” moment could become a defining chapter in boxing history.
