Jake Paul is set to face Anthony Joshua in an officially sanctioned eight-round bout featuring 10-ounce gloves. The fight will take place on Friday, December 19, at the Caseya Center in Miami. This bout marks Joshua’s return to the ring after his September 21, 2024 knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in the IBF heavyweight title match. On the other hand, Paul recently secured a unanimous decision victory against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in June. Paul’s knockout rate has noticeably improved, with three KOs in his last five fights.
According to FanDuel, Joshua is the strong favorite with odds at -$1200, while Paul is the underdog at +$700. The over-under for the fight rounds is set at 2.5. The fight will be streamed on Netflix starting at 8 PM ET, with the main event expected around 11 PM ET. Fans are encouraged to review boxing predictions and betting tips from SportsLine’s expert analyst Josh Nagel before placing bets.
Josh Nagel, a seasoned combat sports editor with over 20 years of experience, has made accurate calls on recent major fights including Terrence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol’s upset over Artur Beterbiev. He also correctly predicted Paul’s decision win against Chavez Jr. Nagel’s insights have helped many bettors profit from their picks, and his prop bet recommendations for the Paul vs. Joshua fight are now available exclusively on SportsLine.
One key prop bet Nagel highlights is Joshua winning by TKO/KO at -475 odds. Joshua, despite giving up height, reach, and weight advantages to a younger and lighter Paul, holds a professional record of 28 wins, 4 losses, and 25 knockouts. Paul’s record stands at 12-1 with 7 knockouts, but he has yet to face an opponent of Joshua’s caliber. Nagel views Joshua as a valuable bet in this fight.
For those interested in betting, there are current promotions such as bonus bets from DraftKings, FanDuel, and bet365 that offer incentives on successful wagers. Nagel has multiple prop bets with strong value, including one that offers a potential return of +300. His full analysis and top picks can be found on SportsLine.
Fan Take: This matchup is significant for fight fans because it pits a rising crossover star against a seasoned heavyweight champion, blending boxing with entertainment in a high-profile spectacle. The outcome could either solidify Jake Paul’s legitimacy in the sport or reinforce Anthony Joshua’s status, potentially shaping the future landscape of heavyweight boxing.
