As Paul vs. Joshua approaches on Netflix, one question keeps popping up: “Is Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua scripted?” Eddie Hearn has addressed it head-on, and his message is basically: no, and it would be illegal.
Key details
- Event: Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua
- When/Where: Dec. 19 — Miami
- Stream: Live on Netflix (no PPV)
- The quote/theme: Hearn says the “scripted” idea doesn’t match regulated pro boxing
What Hearn said — and why it’s getting so much attention
Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, told ESPN that claims of a “scripted” fight don’t hold up in the real world of licensed, regulated boxing, pointing to the legal reality around any pre-arranged outcome. n this keeps trending is obvious: Paul’s crossover path (YouTube star to boxing headliner) creates skepticism, and Netflix-scale hype amplifies every conspiracy theory.
That’s also why you see parallel searches like “Jake Paul fixed fights,” “Paul Joshua rigged,” and “is boxing scripted like WWE.” Hearn’s goal here is to separate “promotion” (which is always theater) from the actual fight (which is governed by rules, officials, and consequences).
The reason “scripted” rumors keep popping up in searches like “is Jake Paul vs Joshua scripted” and “Paul vs Joshua rigged” is that fans often blur two different things: the promotion and the fight. The promotion is theater: faceoffs, soundbites, viral clips, and trash talk are built to sell attention. But once it becomes a regulated pro bout, the fight itself is a different category, with officials, rules, and real consequences if anyone tries to manipulate an outcome.
That’s the lane Hearn is pushing back from: he’s not saying the hype isn’t manufactured; he’s saying the bout isn’t pre-written. And the simplest way this rumor dies is if the early rounds look tense, physical, and unpredictable, because “script” talk usually fades when viewers see real risk and real reactions.
What makes a fight hard to “script”
Here’s the practical reality:
- Fighters must be licensed and cleared
- Commissions assign referees/judges
- There are standardized rules, gloves, round limits, and oversight
That doesn’t stop people from doubting, but it explains why Hearn frames “scripted” as more than internet talk.
Another reason the rumor won’t die is the platform: with Netflix involved, casual fans flood in and search terms like “Jake Paul scripted,” “Paul vs Joshua fixed,” and “is boxing scripted” spike. Hearn’s response is aimed at separating the show from the sport — yes, the promotion is built for clicks, but he insists the bout is still governed by the same oversight, rules, and risks as any sanctioned fight.
Why it matters for Joshua (and for Paul)
For Joshua, the rumor is a credibility problem. He’s a two-time heavyweight champion, and Hearn doesn’t want this sold as an “exhibition vibe” when Joshua’s resume is built on real stakes.
For Paul, the rumor cuts both ways. Skeptics tune in to “see what happens,” supporters tune in because they believe he can shock the world. Either way, attention goes up, which is exactly why these rumors spread fastest right before walkouts.
But for tonight, Hearn’s message is clear: whatever people think about the spectacle, he’s insisting this is being treated as a real professional fight under the usual guardrails.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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