MIAMI, Nov. 17 (UPI) — Jake Paul will meet former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in a boxing bout Dec. 19 in Miami, Most Valuable Promotions announced Monday.
The former YouTube star will battle the former two-time unified heavyweight titleholder at the Kaseya Center. The eight, three-minute-round bout will stream live on Netflix. Both fighters will wear standard 10-ounce gloves.
“This isn’t an AI simulation,” Paul said in a news release. This is Judgment Day. A professional heavyweight fight against an elite world champion in his prime. When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears, and no one can deny me the opportunity to fight for a world title.
“To all my haters, this is what you wanted. To the people of the United Kingdom, I am sorry. On Friday, Dec. 19, under the lights in Miami, live globally only on Netflix, the torch gets passed and Britain’s Goliath gets put to sleep. I know you got ’em picked.”
Paul, 27, was previously scheduled to face WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis on Nov. 14, but that bout was canceled after domestic abuse allegations against Davis.
Paul (12-1) won his last six fights, including a June triumph over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. He also defeated Mike Tyson, Michael Perry, Ryan Bourland, Andre August and Nate Diaz during that run. Paul’s lone loss came against Tommy Fury, who won via split decision, in 2023.
Daniel Dubois beat Joshua (28-4) via knockout in 2024 to retain the IBF world heavyweight title. The 36-year-old Joshua — a 2021 Olympic gold medalist — won his previous four fights before losing to Dubois.
“Jake or anyone can get this work,” Joshua said. “No mercy. I took some time out and I’m coming back with a mega show. It’s a big opportunity for me. Whether you like it or not, I’m here to do massive numbers, have big fights and break every record whilst keeping cool, calm and collected.
“Mark my words, you’ll see a lot more fighters take these opportunities in the future. I’m about to break the internet over Jake Paul’s face.”
Tickets for the Paul-Joshua bout will go on sale Friday at Ticketmaster.
“Anthony Joshua is one of the most formidable and decorated heavyweights in the world — the ultimate test for any fighter,” said Gabe Spitzer, the vice president of sports at Netflix. “We have immense respect for Jake Paul’s decision to take this challenge; it demonstrates the fearless ambition he has for his career.
“This is exactly why Netflix is in the live business: we love taking big swings and delivering the biggest, must-watch cultural spectacles.”
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.