One of boxing’s most notable heavyweights may be approaching the end of his career.
Anthony Joshua is set to face Jake Paul in a professional heavyweight bout on December 19th in Miami.
This highly debated event came together quickly after Jake Paul’s planned fight against Gervonta Davis on Netflix was canceled due to new domestic violence allegations against the WBA lightweight champion.
In Miami, Paul now faces a tougher challenge as he prepares to fight the former two-time unified world heavyweight champion and one of boxing’s hardest punchers.
Critics of the Cleveland native expect Joshua to end Paul’s boxing aspirations, but based on Joshua’s previous comments, fans might actually be witnessing a farewell to ‘AJ.’
Fight Rules:
- Professional heavyweight match confirmed
- Joshua’s weight limit: 245 pounds
- 8 rounds, each lasting 3 minutes
- 10-ounce gloves
Joshua had indicated years ago that he might retire around this age—four years before this fight was arranged.
He has not held a title since losing the WBA (super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight belts to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021.
Following his 2022 rematch loss to Usyk, Joshua went on a comeback run, winning four consecutive fights, including a knockout against Francis Ngannou.
However, after a punishing defeat by Daniel Dubois in their last IBF title bout at Wembley, many believe Joshua’s reign at the top of the sport may be nearing its end.
If so, Joshua will be wrapping up his career right around the age he predicted back in 2021.
Having been the unified heavyweight champion in his prime, Joshua mentioned to the 5 Live Boxing podcast in 2021 that 36 seemed like a reasonable retirement age for a boxer, reflecting on the toll boxing takes as seen in past legends.
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua will broadcast live exclusively on Netflix on December 19th.
Former world champion Carl Froch believes this fight signifies the end of Joshua’s prime, stating that by signing up to fight Paul, Joshua is effectively ending his career.
Froch expressed his opinion to SunSport, emphasizing that after being overlooked by Dubois, Joshua’s best years are behind him, and now it’s all about financial gain.
Fan Take:
This bout is a pivotal moment for the sport, blending traditional heavyweight boxing with influencer-driven matchups, which could redefine the sport’s mainstream appeal. For fighting fans, it’s a poignant crossroads where veteran legacy clashes with new-age celebrity boxing, stirring debate about the future direction of combat sports.
