In a move that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, Anthony Joshua will step into the ring against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on December 19. The venue: Miami’s Kaseya Center.
The twist: this fight won’t be on DAZN or traditional pay-per-view—it will be streamed exclusively on Netflix to a global audience.
The announcement on Monday stunned fans, analysts, and insiders alike, signaling a new era where streaming platforms are reshaping how high-profile bouts are broadcast.
DAZN Releases Joshua for One-Off Bout
Joshua’s journey to this fight is unusual. In June 2022, he signed a lucrative five-year deal with DAZN worth £100 million, which included more than just a payday—he became a shareholder, brand ambassador, and special advisor.
Yet DAZN has agreed to let Joshua leave the platform temporarily for this single Netflix fight.
While neither side confirmed exact figures, sources indicate DAZN will earn over £10 million from the arrangement—an amount larger than what most world champions earn in a single fight and more than some boxers make in their entire careers.
This isn’t the first time DAZN has allowed such flexibility.
Earlier this year, Katie Taylor’s trilogy fight with Amanda Serrano aired on Netflix, showing that DAZN is willing to let fighters chase unique opportunities when it benefits everyone involved.
A Prize Pool That Turns Heads
Joshua and Paul will share a £140 million prize pot, split evenly.
The eight-round fight will feature three-minute rounds and 10oz gloves—a departure from Joshua’s usual championship format.
It also comes with weight adjustments: a limit of 245lbs, which is lighter than Joshua’s typical fight weight of over 250lbs in recent matches, but heavier than Paul’s previous weight of around 200lbs.
For Joshua, 36, this marks his first fight since his defeat to Daniel Dubois 14 months ago.
It’s a chance for a high-profile comeback on an unconventional platform that promises massive exposure.
Joshua Shows Gratitude to DAZN
Joshua acknowledged DAZN’s cooperation on social media, writing: “Shoutout @DAZNboxing for letting me take this opportunity.
I’ll be back on their platform in 2026,” signing off with a salute emoji.
DAZN, in turn, expects the Netflix fight will boost Joshua’s global appeal, potentially benefiting their platform when he returns for bouts next year.
Streaming Wars and the Future of Boxing
This clash highlights how streaming platforms are increasingly shaping the future of boxing.
Traditional networks are no longer the sole gateways to the biggest fights.
With Netflix entering the fray, fighters and promoters are finding new ways to reach millions worldwide, and Joshua vs. Paul is perhaps the most high-profile example yet.
Fans around the globe will be watching closely on December 19 as the former heavyweight champion faces a new kind of opponent—not just in the ring, but in a streaming-first spectacle that may redefine how boxing is presented to a worldwide audience.
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