The boxing world has been shaken once again with the announcement of a blockbuster showdown. On Friday, 19 December 2025, Jake Paul will face Anthony Joshua in a fully sanctioned heavyweight bout at Miami’s Kaseya Centre, a global Netflix live event that’s already generating massive buzz.
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This fight is unique not because of the venue or the broadcast powerhouse behind it, but because it brings together two athletes from opposite ends of the boxing spectrum. Paul, 28, carries a 12-1 record with seven knockouts and has carved out his place in the sport through viral moments, crossover appeal and headline-grabbing victories.
Standing across from him will be 36-year-old Anthony Joshua, a former two-time unified heavyweight champion with a 28-4 record and 25 knockouts. Widely respected as one of the defining heavyweights of his era, Joshua returns to the spotlight on one of the biggest stages of his career.
What We Know
- The bout is structured for eight rounds, each three minutes, with 10-ounce gloves.
- Joshua reportedly must weigh in at or under 245 lbs for the fight, an unusual stipulation for him at this stage of his career.
- The event will air exclusively on Netflix, included in subscription, making it accessible globally and aiming for massive streaming numbers.
- For Paul, this represents the biggest step up yet: facing a heavyweight of Joshua’s calibre, rather than fellow crossover fighters.
Why It Matters
For Jake Paul: This is beyond entertainment; it’s a legitimacy play. Paul has long declared his intent to fight world-class boxers, and Joshua is the benchmark. In his own words: “This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day. … When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears.” A win here could drastically alter his boxing (and media) trajectory.
For Anthony Joshua: After a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in 2024 and a career of elite heavyweight showdowns, this fight is positioned as both a comeback and a platform to make major numbers, financial, streaming, and global reach.
For boxing: This is emblematic of the evolving landscape, where influencer stars meet elite athletes, where streaming platforms become central, and where spectacle merges with sport. Some critics have raised eyebrows.
