Former Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua to Face Jake Paul in December Clash; Bout Details Revealed

MIAMI – YouTube sensation turned professional boxer Jake Paul is set to face his most formidable opponent yet in former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. The bout, scheduled for December 19 at Miami’s Kaseya Center, marks a significant step up in competition for Paul, who has built his boxing career on facing opponents with limited boxing experience or those past their prime.

The announcement comes after negotiations for a potential fight between Paul and Gervonta "Tank" Davis fell through. Unlike the proposed exhibition match with Davis, the upcoming fight against Joshua will be a sanctioned professional boxing contest, with the outcome impacting both fighters’ official records.

Rules and Regulations:

The fight will adhere to standard heavyweight boxing regulations, with both Paul and Joshua wearing 10-ounce gloves. This is a departure from the 14-ounce gloves Paul was expected to use in the now-canceled Davis fight and aligns with the glove size typically used in heavyweight professional bouts. Paul has primarily used 10-ounce gloves throughout his boxing career, with the exception of the bout against Mike Tyson.

The weight limit for the fight will be in the heavyweight division, eliminating Paul’s usual weight advantage over his opponents. While Paul typically competes at cruiserweight, approximately 65 pounds above Davis’s usual weight class, he will face Joshua at heavyweight. A specific stipulation in the fight contract dictates that Joshua cannot exceed 245 pounds for the fight.

The fight is scheduled for eight rounds, each lasting three minutes. This is shorter than the 12-round distance Joshua has been accustomed to fighting for the majority of his career, with the exception of a 10-round limit set for his contest against Francis Ngannou. This shorter duration could potentially favor Paul, as it reduces the amount of time he needs to withstand Joshua’s power and experience.

Fighter Backgrounds:

Jake Paul (12-1, 6 KOs) has built a professional boxing record primarily against opponents lacking extensive boxing backgrounds. His previous opponents include fellow YouTubers, former MMA fighters, and aging former boxers. Paul’s most recent win came against Ryan Bourland in March 2024, a fight that was stopped in the first round. His sole loss came against Tommy Fury in February 2023.

Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) is a two-time unified heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist. He held the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles between 2016 and 2019, and again between 2019 and 2021. Joshua has defeated notable heavyweight contenders such as Wladimir Klitschko, Alexander Povetkin, and Joseph Parker. His losses came against Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019, Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022, and most recently against Otto Wallin in December 2023. He is coming off a knockout victory against Francis Ngannou in March 2024.

Joshua’s Recent Performances:

Joshua’s recent form has shown signs of resurgence following his back-to-back defeats against Usyk. His victory over Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, demonstrated his power and ability to finish opponents. However, his performance against Wallin prior to the Ngannou fight raised questions about his durability and consistency.

Paul’s Stepping Up in Competition:

The fight against Joshua represents a monumental leap in competition for Paul. He has previously faced opponents with limited boxing experience, but Joshua possesses world-class skills, power, and experience at the highest level of the heavyweight division.

Expert Analysis:

Boxing analysts widely consider Joshua to be the overwhelming favorite in this matchup. Despite being 36 years old and potentially past his prime, Joshua’s experience, power, and technical ability are expected to pose a significant challenge for Paul.

"This is a massive step up in competition for Jake Paul," said ESPN boxing analyst Max Kellerman. "Anthony Joshua is a former unified heavyweight champion. He has the size, power, and experience to make this a very difficult fight for Paul."

Training Camps and Preparations:

Both fighters are expected to undergo rigorous training camps in preparation for the fight. Paul will likely focus on improving his boxing skills, footwork, and defense, while Joshua will aim to hone his power and ring generalship.

Impact on Boxing Landscape:

The Paul vs. Joshua fight is expected to generate significant interest from both boxing fans and the wider public. It highlights the growing trend of crossover boxing events, where celebrities and social media personalities enter the world of professional boxing.

Fight Location and Promotion:

The fight will take place at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, a venue that has hosted numerous high-profile sporting events. The promotion for the fight is expected to be extensive, leveraging both fighters’ large social media followings and mainstream media coverage.

Looking Ahead:

The outcome of the Paul vs. Joshua fight will have significant implications for both fighters’ careers. A victory for Paul would solidify his status as a legitimate boxer and open doors to even bigger fights. A victory for Joshua would help him regain momentum in the heavyweight division and potentially set up future title opportunities.