Paul vs Joshua: Generational Clash in Boxing? Analysis and Details

Jake Paul Faces Anthony Joshua: A Major Challenge

The boxing world is preparing for an unexpected showdown. Jake Paul, a well-known YouTuber turned boxer, will take a qualitative leap by facing former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami (Netflix). This fight represents a radical change for Paul, who originally planned to face Gervonta “Tank” Davis, WBA lightweight champion, in an exhibition with an agreed weight of 195 pounds. However, the fight between Paul and Davis was canceled due to a lawsuit against Davis. Now, Paul will face Joshua, an opponent significantly heavier than Davis. Unlike the canceled exhibition, Paul will not have a size advantage to compensate for the skill difference. Joshua, who usually fights around 250 pounds, will face Paul, who competes at the cruiserweight limit of 200 pounds. Paul will seek to surprise the world and achieve one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

Why this fight?

After the cancellation of his exhibition with Davis, Paul actively sought a new rival before the end of 2025. According to Most Valuable Promotions, Paul’s promotional company, several opponents were considered before finalizing the match with Joshua. Earlier this year, Paul expressed his interest in fighting Joshua and even included him on his wish list. The original plan was for them to face each other in 2026, after the fight with Davis. Paul quickly redirected his attention towards Joshua, who had been inactive due to elbow surgery, and both parties reached an agreement. Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, had mentioned that the British boxer intended to fight once at the end of 2025 before seeking a fight with Tyson Fury in 2026.

Is it an exhibition?

No, the face-off between Paul and Joshua 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’s weight, but will have to deal with the size and skill difference. Joshua, a former Olympic champion and two-time unified heavyweight champion, has weighed up to 254 pounds and has gone as low as 229 pounds in his professional career. Paul’s highest weight was 227¼ pounds in his November 2024 exhibition against Mike Tyson. In his most recent fight, against Julio César Chávez Jr., Paul weighed 199.4 pounds.

Why does Paul want to fight Joshua now?

Audacity with a touch of delusional confidence? Regardless of opinions, Paul has shown persistence in seeking challenges, despite being considered a novice in boxing. His record includes fights with MMA fighters, YouTubers, a former NBA slam dunk champion, low-level boxers, and a retired heavyweight.

The last time Joshua faced a novice boxer, he demolished Francis Ngannou in two rounds in March 2024. Even so, Paul seeks to test himself, and we will see where he stands when he steps into the ring with Joshua.

Why did Joshua accept the fight?

It’s a low-risk, high-reward fight on a massive stage that will be streamed globally on Netflix. Joshua has faced some of the best heavyweights of his generation and was looking to compete before the end of 2025. As one of the biggest stars in British boxing history, this fight will also increase Joshua’s status in the United States, where he hasn’t fought since his knockout loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. at Madison Square Garden in 2019. The only market Joshua hasn’t conquered is the American one, and facing someone with Paul’s reach will certainly help in case he faces Fury in 2026.

How will this affect Joshua’s career?

If Joshua meets expectations and defeats Paul, his plans for a mega fight with Fury will remain. Fury is retired, but could be persuaded to return for a fight with Joshua. If the fight is in any way competitive, questions will arise about Joshua’s current position in boxing. The last time he was in the ring, in September 2024, he was stopped in five rounds by Daniel Dubois. A competitive fight with Paul, who is less experienced and smaller, would not be favorable for his future.

How will this affect Paul’s career?

The expectation is that a decorated, hard-hitting heavyweight will defeat Paul categorically, and the chances of an upset are slim. Paul, in case of losing, could achieve a moral victory, as long as he is not brutally knocked out early on. If Paul manages to make the fight competitive, this will only boost his image in boxing. He has already shown that a defeat will not completely derail his career, and his huge presence on social media will allow him to recover and return, even with greater commercial potential, having earned the respect of a boxing community that has criticized his career. It’s almost a no-lose situation for Paul, as he should never have been able to get in the ring with a former heavyweight champion at this stage of his career. Any time he spends standing will be a victory. However, if he ends up on the wrong side of a spectacular knockout, he’ll go viral for the wrong reasons.