Jake Paul to Face Anthony Joshua in a Heavyweight Bout
The boxing world is preparing for a showdown that has generated great anticipation. Jake Paul, a well-known YouTuber turned boxer, will make a leap in quality by facing former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. The fight will take place on December 19th at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
This fight represents a radical change for Paul, who originally planned to face Gervonta “Tank” Davis. However, this match was canceled due to a lawsuit against Davis.
On this occasion, Paul will face a much heavier and more experienced opponent. Unlike his fight with Davis, Paul will not have a size advantage, as Joshua usually fights around 250 pounds, while Paul competes at the cruiserweight limit of 200 pounds.
Why Paul vs. Joshua?
After the cancellation of his fight with Davis, Paul actively sought a new opponent to compete against before the end of 2025. Conversations with several potential rivals ultimately led to the concretization of the match with Joshua.
Earlier this year, Paul had already expressed his interest in fighting Joshua, including him on a revised wish list. The fight with Joshua was initially scheduled for 2026, but the situation changed rapidly and both teams reached an agreement.
Will it be an Exhibition Fight?
No. The fight between Paul and Joshua will be a sanctioned heavyweight fight, scheduled for eight three-minute rounds each. The pugilists will use 10-ounce gloves, standard for heavyweight fights.Anthony Joshua’s last fight against a novice boxer, where he defeated Francis Ngannou in two rounds in March 2024.Paul will face a difference in size and skill. Joshua, a former Olympic champion and two-time heavyweight champion, has weighed up to 254 pounds. Paul, on the other hand, weighed 227¼ pounds in his November 2024 exhibition against Mike Tyson, and 199.4 pounds in his recent victory against Julio César Chávez Jr.
Why Would Paul Want to Fight Joshua Now?
Paul has shown persistence in challenging himself, despite being considered a novice in boxing. His career has included confrontations with MMA fighters, YouTubers, a former NBA slam dunk champion, and boxers with little experience. In his last fight, Paul dominated Julio César Chávez Jr., a former middleweight champion.
The last time Joshua faced a novice boxer, he defeated Francis Ngannou in two rounds, in March 2024.
Paul seeks to prove himself and this fight will be a true test.
Why Did Joshua Accept the Fight?
This is a low-risk, high-reward fight, on a massive stage that will be broadcast globally by Netflix. Joshua has competed against the best heavyweights of his generation and is looking to fight before the end of 2025.
Furthermore, this fight could increase Joshua’s recognition in the United States, where he hasn’t fought since his defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019.
How Will This Affect Joshua’s Career?
If Joshua defeats Paul, his plans for a mega fight with Tyson Fury could remain. If Fury decides to return to boxing, this fight could be a big draw.
However, if Paul manages to resist, Joshua’s image could be affected. A competitive fight with a less experienced rival could raise doubts about his current position in boxing.Hearn: Only Turki Al-Sheikh can make Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury happen.
How Will This Affect Paul’s Career?
It is expected that Joshua will defeat Paul, so just holding on in the ring could be considered a moral victory for Paul, as long as he doesn’t suffer an early knockout.
If Paul manages to make the fight competitive, this could boost his boxing career. He has already shown that a defeat will not completely derail him, and his presence on social media will allow him to recover and return, even with more marketing potential.
For Paul, it’s almost a no-risk situation, as he was never expected to face a former heavyweight champion at this stage of his career. Any time he spends on his feet will be a triumph. However, if he suffers a spectacular knockout, it could go viral for the wrong reasons.
