Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn says British-Nigerian heavyweight Anthony Joshua has no option but to retire if he loses to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on December 19 in Miami.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn said Paul deserves credit for stepping up, but insisted the American has no business surviving a bout with Joshua.

“If I’m wrong, then my time’s up. Not just AJ — me too. We should all retire,” Hearn joked. “The weight of boxing is on your shoulders, my man!”

Hearn dismissed rumours of any manipulation in the fight, branding such suggestions “illegal,” and insisted Paul is facing a “real fight.”

He also warned the American of what awaits him:

“There is absolutely no escape for Jake Paul in this fight. The minute AJ smells weakness, he lets his hands go — and once that happens, there’s a major problem for Jake.”

Joshua enters the bout with a 28–4 record and 25 knockouts. Paul carries a 12–1 record with seven knockouts.