Jake Paul to Face Anthony Joshua in Heavyweight Showdown

YouTuber-turned-professional boxer Jake Paul is set to face former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in a highly anticipated match on December 19, 2024. The bout will take place at the Kaseya Center in Miami and will be streamed live on Netflix, according to an announcement from Most Valuable Promotions.

This matchup marks a significant shift for Paul, who was originally scheduled to fight WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis in an exhibition bout on November 14. That fight was canceled after Davis was named in a civil lawsuit involving serious allegations, including aggravated battery and kidnapping. Instead of facing a smaller opponent, Paul will now contend with a seasoned heavyweight who has competed at weights exceeding 256 pounds, significantly heavier than the 130-pound range where Davis fights.

The upcoming fight will consist of eight three-minute rounds, with both fighters required to wear 10-ounce gloves, which is standard for heavyweight contests. Paul, who has fought primarily as a cruiserweight, previously weighed in at 227.25 pounds for his exhibition match against Mike Tyson in 2024.

In a statement reflecting his confidence, Paul said, “This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day. A professional heavyweight fight against an elite world champion in his prime. When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears.” He acknowledged the significance of this fight, especially to his critics, stating, “To all my haters, this is what you wanted. On December 19, the torch gets passed and Britain’s Goliath gets put to sleep.”

Paul brings a professional record of 12 wins, including 7 knockouts, against only one loss. Despite his success, he remains relatively inexperienced, with only 70 total rounds boxed since entering the ring in 2020. In contrast, Joshua boasts a professional record of 28 wins and 4 losses, with 25 of those victories coming by way of knockout, and has participated in over 160 rounds across his 12-year career.

Joshua, who is 36 years old, expressed his readiness for this challenge. “Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of this fight for his career, saying, “It’s a big opportunity for me. Whether you like it or not, I’m here to do massive numbers and break every record.”

Joshua’s last fight ended in a fifth-round stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois during an IBF title bout in September 2024. Following that defeat, he underwent elbow surgery and has been out of competition. His promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, had initially indicated Joshua would fight once in 2025, targeting a matchup against retired heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

The swift change in plans for Paul to fight Joshua came after the cancellation of the Davis bout. According to Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, “Everyone laughed when Jake Paul said in March that he wanted to fight AJ in 2026. Well, plans changed, and in under two weeks, MVP and Netflix have made one of the biggest fights of all time.”

The fight has generated considerable buzz among fans and analysts alike, with many questioning Paul’s ability to compete against a fighter of Joshua’s caliber. Hearn remarked, “Two of the biggest names in the sport will collide on December 19. While I admire Jake’s bravery, he’s going to find out the hard way in Miami.”

As anticipation builds for this clash of personalities and boxing styles, both fighters will aim to leave a lasting impression during this pivotal moment in their careers.