Jake Paul (12-1-0) is set to face Anthony Joshua (28-4-0) on December 19th at the Caseya Center in Miami, as announced by Netflix. The fight will be available for streaming on Netflix after the original matchup with Gervonta Davis was canceled due to domestic violence allegations against Davis. This bout marks a rare step for Paul, moving up to fight a true heavyweight in a sanctioned professional match rather than an exhibition. The fight will consist of eight rounds, each lasting three minutes, with both fighters using 10-ounce gloves.
The initial Paul vs. Davis fight was complicated by a significant weight difference, prompting unique rules to balance the contest. Paul has long faced calls to prove himself against a legitimate heavyweight, and now he will face the former IBF, WBA, and WBO heavyweight champion Joshua. At 36, Joshua is past his peak but remains a far more credible opponent than Paul’s previous foes like Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Mike Tyson. Although Joshua hasn’t fought in over a year and suffered a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, he was once a dominant figure in heavyweight boxing before a surprising defeat to Andy Ruiz triggered a decline. Since his fight with Lewis, Joshua has a 6-4 record, with losses to Dubois and consecutive defeats by Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua emphasized the importance of this fight, stating he is returning with determination and plans to break records. Meanwhile, Paul views this as a critical opportunity to silence critics and springboard towards a world title shot. He boldly declared the fight as “Judgment Day,” asserting that a win against Joshua would eliminate any doubts about his legitimacy as a top-tier heavyweight contender.
Fan Take: This matchup is a pivotal moment for both fighters and fans alike, as it tests Jake Paul’s ability to compete at a true heavyweight level against a renowned champion. If Paul wins, it could shake up the heavyweight division and blur the lines between traditional pros and crossover stars, potentially changing the sport’s landscape forever.
