Joshua Denies Paul Fight Scripted Rumors

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Dec 11, 2025 11:41 PM ET

Former two-time unified heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has shut down suggestions that his Jake Paul fight on December 19 is “fixed” or “scripted.”

Rumors have circulated on social media alleging that a specific clause in the contract would compel Joshua to “take it easy” on Paul. The skepticism stems from the vast difference in experience between the two fighters. Joshua, an Olympic gold medalist and former unified heavyweight champion, is facing Paul, who transitioned to professional boxing just five years ago, who then lost to Tommy Fury. Joshua, however, was direct in his response, confirming that no such stipulation exists.

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“I haven’t seen that part but no, there is no clause. I heard he fought Mike Tyson in 140z gloves and that he was going to fight Gervonta in 12oz gloves and then he chose to fight me in 10oz gloves so… he wants to hurt me, I think he wants to take me out. I understand people’s concerns but they have to start believing in Jake. They don’t believe because they can’t get their head around how he beat those guys. How did he beat Anderson Silva, how did he beat Nate Diaz, how did he beat Mike Tyson? I’m telling you there is no stipulation in the contract where I have to take it easy,” Joshua said

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, also echoed this.

“And by the way: firstly, it’s illegal to have a script when there’s a professional, sanctioned contest; two, we would never be involved in an exhibition fight. Do you think I would sign up to something that might make AJ look bad or go [for multiple] rounds? No, we wanna go in there, do a job for boxing, which is what we should be doing, which is ironing this guy out ASAP,” Hearn stated

Wilder Responds

Nevertheless, that has not stopped others from thinking otherwise. Former WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder is skeptical over the event. Naturally, there will be more eyes on the fight if Paul even manages to get out of the first round. The Problem Child is already talking up his skills, stating that he will stop Joshua. Given the big words that are coming out of Jake’s camp, they will only be heightened if he is able to hurt AJ and take him into the latter rounds.

“I think it’s scripted a little bit because of the weight difference, and Joshua is a former champion. Also, he’s currently active. This is the first time we’re seeing Paul against an active fighter. We’ve seen him against [58-year-old] Mike Tyson. That was all fun and games. But now you’re dealing with a real professional. We’ll see how it ends. Like I said, I think it’s scripted. “I want everyone to have fun. I want them to enjoy themselves because we risk our lives for others’ entertainment. Just go home safely to have memories to say we did a great job,” Wilder said

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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