Eddie Hearn revealed why Jake Paul requested a weight restriction on Anthony Joshua and shared how he cleverly countered the move to maintain control. Although Joshua typically weighs no more than 245 pounds at the official weigh-in, there will be no weight cap during their fight on December 19th. Hearn admitted he misled Nakisa Bidalyan, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, by inflating Joshua’s weight to around 290 pounds to negotiate a more favorable deal. Speaking on BBC 5 Live, Hearn said that Joshua’s actual weight was about 265 pounds, but he told Bidalyan it was higher to gain an advantage.
Hearn mentioned he wasn’t interested in unusual fight conditions like oversized gloves or shortened rounds, insisting it should be a genuine match. However, the discussion revealed Jake Paul would weigh approximately 220 pounds, prompting requests for Joshua to cut weight despite being a heavyweight who had never done so before. They claimed this wasn’t about gaining an unfair edge but ensuring Joshua faced some disadvantage.
At a recent press conference, Paul confidently predicted he would knock out Joshua, expressing his belief that he could defeat the former two-time unified heavyweight champion.
Fan Take: This story highlights the strategic mind games at play in high-profile fights, showing how weight and negotiation tactics can influence outcomes. For fight enthusiasts, it raises the stakes for the December bout, promising a clash not just of strength but also of savvy and willpower, potentially shaping the future of boxing promotions.
