Jake Paul to Face Anthony Joshua in a Heavyweight Bout
The boxing world is preparing for a showdown that promises to be historic. Jake Paul, known for his foray into boxing from the digital world, will face former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami. This fight, which will be broadcast on Netflix, marks a significant leap in Paul’s career, who originally planned a match with Gervonta “Tank” Davis.
The fight with Davis, scheduled for last Friday, was canceled due to a lawsuit filed against the boxer by his ex-partner. Now, Paul will face an opponent who outweighs him by more than 100 pounds, in a professional heavyweight fight.
Unlike his exhibition with Davis, Paul will not have a size advantage to compensate for the skill difference. Joshua, who has fought at around 250 pounds, will face Paul, who competes at the cruiserweight limit of 200 pounds. Paul will seek to surprise and achieve one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.
Why This Fight?
Following the cancellation of his exhibition with Davis, Paul actively sought a fight before the end of 2025. According to Most Valuable Promotions, Paul’s company, several potential opponents were considered before reaching an agreement with Joshua. Paul had even included Joshua on his list of desired fights.
Joshua, who had been inactive after elbow surgery in June, and Paul reached an agreement for this fight. Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, commented that the British boxer was looking for a fight at the end of 2025 before focusing on a possible match with Tyson Fury in 2026.
Is it 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.
Paul is getting closer to Joshua’s weight, but now he will have to face a gap in size and skill. Joshua, a former Olympic champion and two-time unified heavyweight champion, has weighed up to 254 pounds and has recorded a minimum weight of 229 pounds in his professional career. Paul’s highest weight was 227¼ pounds in his November 2024 exhibition against Mike Tyson.
Why Does Paul Want to Fight Joshua Now?
Paul, despite being considered a novice in boxing, has shown persistence in seeking challenges. His opponent history has included MMA fighters, YouTubers, a former NBA dunk champion, journeymen boxers, and a retired heavyweight. In his last fight, Paul dominated Julio César Chávez Jr.
The last time Joshua faced a boxing novice, he defeated Francis Ngannou in two rounds in March 2024.
Paul is looking to test himself, and the fight against Joshua will be a trial by fire.
Why Did Joshua Accept the Fight?
It’s a low-risk, high-reward fight on a global stage, broadcast by Netflix. Joshua, who has competed against some of the best heavyweights of his generation, will seek to grow his image in the United States.
The only market Joshua hasn’t conquered is the American one, and facing someone with Paul’s popularity will undoubtedly help in case he faces Fury in 2026.
How Will This Affect Joshua’s Career?
If Joshua defeats Paul, his plans for a fight with Fury will remain in place. If Fury returns for a fight with Joshua, the match against Paul will serve as preparation.If Joshua struggles or loses, his position in boxing could be affected. A competitive fight against Paul would not be favorable for his future.
How Will This Affect Paul’s Career?
For Paul, the expectation is that he will lose, but the simple fact of staying in the ring could be a moral victory, as long as he is not knocked out early. If he achieves a competitive fight, his value in boxing could increase.
It’s almost a no-lose situation for Paul, as he should never have had the opportunity to step into the ring with a former heavyweight champion at this stage of his career.
