Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: Boxing Match Analysis

Get ready, boxing fanatics! Jake Paul will face an unprecedented challenge when he steps into the ring against former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on December 19th at the Kaseya Center in Miami. This fight marks a radical change for Paul, who was originally scheduled to fight Gervonta “Tank” Davis.

A Change of Plans and a Bigger Challenge

Paul’s fight with Davis was canceled, opening the door to this matchup with Joshua, a significantly heavier opponent. Unlike his exhibition bout with Davis, Paul will not have a size advantage. Joshua, with a history of fighting at around 250 pounds, will face Paul, who competes at the 200-pound cruiserweight limit. The expectation is high, and a victory for Paul would be one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

Why Paul vs. Joshua?

Following the cancellation of his fight with Davis, Paul actively sought a new opponent. According to Most Valuable Promotions, Paul’s promoter, several options were considered before reaching an agreement with Joshua. Paul had expressed interest in fighting Joshua, and the British boxer, who had undergone elbow surgery, was looking for a fight before the end of 2025.

Is it an Exhibition Fight?

No. This fight will be a sanctioned heavyweight bout, scheduled for eight three-minute rounds. The boxers will use 10-ounce gloves, standard for heavyweight fights.

Paul is closer to Joshua in weight, but now he will have to face a gap in skill and size. Joshua, former Olympic champion and two-time unified heavyweight champion, has weighed in at 254 pounds. Paul, for his part, weighed 227¼ pounds for his November 2024 exhibition against Mike Tyson.

Why Does Paul Want This Fight?

Despite being considered a novice in boxing, Paul has shown persistence in challenging himself. His previous opponents have been varied, including MMA fighters, YouTubers, and boxers. Joshua, on the other hand, demonstrated his power by defeating Francis Ngannou in two rounds in March 2024. Paul seeks to test himself, and this fight will be a true test of his skills.

Why Did Joshua Accept the Fight?

For Joshua, it’s a low-risk, high-reward fight on a global stage, broadcast by Netflix. The British boxer seeks to expand his presence in the United States, a key market for his career.

How Does This Affect Joshua’s Career?

If Joshua defeats Paul, his plans for a mega fight with Tyson Fury could remain. However, a defeat, or even a competitive fight, could affect his position in boxing.

Joshua’s defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 raised doubts about his current condition.

How Does Paul’s Career Impact?

For Paul, the fight is expected to be a loss. Surviving in the ring could be considered a moral victory, and a competitive performance could boost his reputation in boxing. If he is defeated decisively, he could go viral for the wrong reasons.