Boxing fans, mark your calendars. Anthony Joshua is back in the ring, and this time his opponent is none other than YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
The heavyweight clash is officially scheduled for Friday, December 19, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, and it will stream live on Netflix.
The fight promises fireworks both inside and outside the ropes, with a staggering £140million prize pot, split evenly between the two fighters.
Joshua, 36, is stepping back into the spotlight following his defeat to Daniel Dubois 14 months ago, while Paul, 28, comes with a 12-1 professional record, his only loss being to Tommy Fury.
How Jake Paul Ended Up in Joshua’s Corner
Originally, Paul was meant to face lightweight star Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis on November 14 at the same venue.
But that bout fell through after Davis’ arrest over multiple serious allegations, forcing the fight to be canceled.
Paul quickly pivoted, and Joshua emerged as the new opponent for December, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated cross-generational fights in recent years.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn explained that Joshua had initially been planning a smaller tune-up fight after the Dubois loss.
“He was looking at top-100 opponents for November,” Hearn said.
“But when the Paul offer came through, it made sense to prioritize these negotiations.”
What’s at Stake for Anthony Joshua
For Joshua, this bout is more than just a payday.
It represents his first fight since the tough loss to Dubois, giving him a chance to rebuild momentum before a potential mega-fight against Tyson Fury in 2026.
Promoter Turki Alalshikh has publicly shown interest in making the Fury-Joshua showdown happen, and Joshua has already agreed to terms—though Fury’s participation remains uncertain as he maintains his retirement stance.
Hearn also confirmed that the December 19 fight will be a full professional heavyweight bout under Queensberry rules, meaning no exhibition gimmicks—this is the real deal.
Netflix Deal Shakes Things Up
Despite Joshua’s long-standing streaming deal with DAZN, this fight will be broadcast on Netflix.
Reports suggest that DAZN was heavily compensated to allow the switch, meaning fans can watch the action on a new platform without any fuss.
A press conference for the fight is scheduled to take place in Miami on Friday afternoon, giving both fighters a chance to size each other up in front of the cameras and set the tone for what promises to be a high-stakes December showdown.
What Fans Can Expect
Expect a blend of heavyweight power, showmanship, and the kind of media spectacle that comes when one of boxing’s greats meets one of social media’s most notorious personalities.
With the fight just over a month away, anticipation is building, and the December clash could dominate sports headlines right up to Christmas.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn