Eddie Hearn’s ‘Average Boxer’ Jake Paul Comment Explained
Eddie Hearn’s “average” assessment of Jake Paul dates to a 2022 face-to-face interview with Ariel Helwani, not a new verdict. Hearn later said he intended it as a relative compliment for a developing boxer. Paul’s career has since included wins, his first professional loss to Tommy Fury, and a 2025 knockout defeat to Anthony Joshua.
What Hearn meant by “average”
The exchange took place in April 2022, when Paul was still early in his professional boxing career. Hearn said Paul was “average,” then explained that he meant it as a compliment: Paul had made progress in a short time, though Hearn did not consider him an elite boxer. Paul objected to the label and challenged Hearn to match him with a fighter from his roster. MMA Fighting’s report on Hearn’s clarification · Original Helwani interview
Paul’s record changed after that conversation
Paul later lost to Tommy Fury by split decision in February 2023, his first professional defeat. He subsequently added wins over Nate Diaz, Andre August, Ryan Bourland, Mike Perry and Julio César Chávez Jr. Those results built a more substantial boxing résumé than the one Hearn was discussing in 2022, while still leaving the pair’s disagreement about Paul’s level a matter of opinion.
Joshua delivered Paul’s toughest test
Paul then faced former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in Miami on December 19, 2025. Joshua won by sixth-round knockout at 1:31. Paul suffered a broken jaw in the bout and later said he might not fight again, before indicating he hoped to return after recovery. Netflix’s official event result · Reuters on the result and injury
In May 2026, Paul told Reuters he wanted to continue boxing but was still awaiting medical clearance to spar. He said his future remained uncertain while his jaw healed, and acknowledged he might not fight again.
The debate remains a judgment call
“Average” was Hearn’s opinion about Paul’s skill at a particular point in his development, and the label was explained as a compliment in context. Paul’s later opposition included both crossover names and established professionals, culminating in a major step up against Joshua. The 2022 exchange did not result in a Hearn-promoted matchup, and the two men’s description of Paul’s ability remains subjective.
Reuters reported Paul’s May 2026 comments on his recovery and uncertain future.
Sources
Tags: Boxing, Combat Sports
