Eddie Hearn Claims Anthony Joshua Should Retire If He Loses to Jake Paul
The build-up to December 19 already had intensity simply because Anthony Joshua is stepping into a crossover-style matchup against Jake Paul, but Eddie Hearn’s recent comments have added a sharper edge. With Joshua a massive favourite and expected to handle the YouTuber-turned-boxer with ease, Hearn made it clear that the stakes are far larger than promotional hype.
Why Eddie Hearn’s Comments Matter
Hearn stated that he cannot imagine any scenario where Joshua loses to Jake Paul, calling the former two-time heavyweight champion “levels above” in skill, experience and pedigree. In his view, this shouldn’t even be a competitive fight. But the crucial part came when he insisted that if Joshua somehow did lose, retirement should be the only option left.
Coming from Joshua’s own longtime promoter, that statement carries weight. Hearn has guided AJ’s entire career, from his Olympic rise to championship reigns and massive stadium nights. For him to publicly say a loss to Jake Paul would end Joshua’s career underscores just how wide the gap is believed to be between the two fighters.
Joshua enters as a heavy favourite for a reason. He has fought and beaten elite heavyweights, held unified titles, and gone deep into championship rounds against the sport’s best. Jake Paul, despite improving and showing discipline in recent fights, is still new to the world of elite boxing. The expectation is simple: Joshua should dominate.
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Still, the fight exists because boxing has unpredictable moments, and Paul has built a reputation for taking risks. Hearn’s remarks amplify the pressure on Joshua to not just win, but win convincingly. Anything less than a clear victory opens uncomfortable discussions about where AJ truly stands in the heavyweight landscape moving forward.
If Joshua wins the way most expect, the bout becomes a footnote in his career. But if the unthinkable happens, the consequences—as Hearn emphasised—would be severe.
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