Eddie Hearn Confirms Major Rule Change for Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul

On the eve of Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua, promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed the size of the ring that will be used for Friday's fight – and it has become a major talking point.

There are certain stipulations in place as natural cruiserweight Paul moves up to heavyweight. For the first time in his career, Joshua has a strict contracted weight limit ahead of the eight-round bout.

The 36-year-old, who weighed just over 252lbs for his fight against Daniel Dubois last year, cannot weigh more than 245lbs, although there is no restriction on how much weight he can put on after the official weigh-in.

As well as AJ's weight, Eddie Hearn was recently asked about the specific rules for this weekend's clash.

"Same as any professional fight, you know, and we wouldn't do anything different, which is eight rounds, 10 ounce gloves, eight three minute rounds," Hearn told Forbes. "The weight is 245 pounds, but that's just because Jake's coming up from cruiserweight."

Joshua will considerably outweigh Paul on the night. Image credit: Getty

Joshua's team had 'no interest' in anything other than legitimate professional boxing rules, according to Hearn.

Eddie Hearn confirms ring size for Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua

With two days until fight night, Hearn has confirmed to IFL TV that the ring size for Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua will be 22x22 feet, which is bigger than the standard size for professional bouts, which is 20x20 feet.

Here's how fans on social media reacted to the news.

One said: "More space for Jake Paul to run away into. AJ with 10oz gloves he better move quick," while a second commented: "Yeah so Jake Paul can run away around the ring and try avoid Joshua’s right hand."

A third wrote: "I doubt a 21% bigger ring is going to make that much of a difference. It might let Jake run around a bit more freely but the issue is, for Jake to be in range, he has to also be in range for AJ. He’s screwed either way."

A fourth said: "Plenty of space for Jake Paul to hide," and a fifth added: "There will be a lot of running."

Paul believes he can cause the biggest upset in boxing history on Saturday. Image credit: Getty

How to watch Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua if you don’t have Netflix

If you don’t already have Netflix, there is a workaround to essentially get it for ‘free’ as part of a bargain bundle.

Sky is currently offering its ‘Stream on Screen’ package - including Netflix, discovery+ and much more - for just £15/ month. It’s Sky’s lowest-ever price and will allow you to watch the big fight live along with Sky Atlantic, Sky Stream and Sky Essential TV.

Browse deals here.