Former super-middleweight world champion George Groves has launched a scathing attack on Anthony Joshua's upcoming fight, urging the heavyweight star to 'walk away' from his scheduled bout with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
A Stern Warning Days Before the Bell
Groves, 37, did not hold back in his criticism, directly blaming Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn. He accused Hearn of prioritising financial gain over the fighter's legacy, suggesting the promoter had 'sold AJ out' by making the match.
The eight-round contest is set for this Friday, December 19, in Miami, Florida. Both men will wear 10oz gloves, and the result will officially count on their professional records. For Joshua, this will be his first ring action since a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
'It's Beneath Him': Groves Questions Joshua's Legacy
In comments made to FootItalia, Groves expressed his disbelief that the former two-time heavyweight champion would take such a fight. He argued that Joshua should instead face a 'worthy' opponent who reflects his status in the sport.
"Promoters aren't driven by the same things that fighters are driven by. They're driven by money," Groves stated. "The financial gain they get is their legacy. Wouldn't it have been cool if Joshua just said, 'f*** that, I'm actually a professional'?"
He added, "I think it would've been tough for most people, but I would walk away if I was Joshua. It’s beneath me. Let someone else take the money. Let someone else sell out."
Joshua's Vow: 'If I Can Kill You, I Will'
Despite the fierce criticism from peers and pundits, Anthony Joshua has shown no sign of backing down or taking the fight lightly. The 36-year-old has vowed to be ruthless, framing his aggressive mindset as a professional necessity.
"It's not just that it's Jake," Joshua explained. "I was actually looking at myself today, I'm a very respectful guy brought up by a good family. But if I can kill you, I will kill you. That's just how I am and this is just the job I do."
He also positioned himself as a standard-bearer for the sport, stating, "I'm carrying boxing on my back, I did it with the Francis Ngannou fight and I'm doing it again." A victory is widely expected to set up a potential blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury in 2026.
The high-profile heavyweight clash will be streamed live on Netflix, with fans in the UK able to access the platform for free as part of a Sky TV bundle offer. The event continues the trend of crossover fights dominating the boxing landscape, much to the chagrin of traditionalists like George Groves.
