TLDR
- Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua have finalized a heavyweight fight for December 19 in Miami, streaming on Netflix
- Joshua could earn up to $88 million, matching his highest career payday from the Andy Ruiz Jr. rematch
- The fight represents Paul’s biggest challenge yet against a former two-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist
- Joshua’s last fight was a fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024
- The bout replaces Paul’s canceled November 14 exhibition with Gervonta Davis
Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua have reached a deal to fight on December 19 in Miami. The heavyweight bout will stream on Netflix, making it available to the platform’s 301 million subscribers worldwide.
Mike Coppinger broke the news that the fight is officially done. This matchup comes after Paul canceled his planned November 14 exhibition with lightweight champion Gervonta Davis.
The fight will be a sanctioned professional bout that counts on both fighters’ official records. Netflix will broadcast the event, ensuring massive global reach for the contest.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed the financial scale of the deal. The former champion could earn up to $88 million for this fight.
Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua is a DONE DEAL for Friday, December 19th 🤯
Pro heavyweight fight, not exhibition 👀
(via @mikecoppinger) pic.twitter.com/ryBCZc4chd
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) November 14, 2025
That figure matches Joshua’s highest career payday from his December 2019 rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr. Hearn stated the revenue could rival what Joshua would make fighting Tyson Fury.
Paul brings enormous social media reach to the table. He has 20.9 million YouTube subscribers, 28.7 million Instagram followers, and 18.4 million TikTok followers.
This audience size explains the massive financial opportunity for Joshua. No other opponent except Fury could generate this level of attention and revenue for the British fighter.
Paul Faces Biggest Test
The matchup represents a huge step up in competition for Paul. Joshua is a legitimate top 10 heavyweight despite being past his prime at 36 years old.
Paul holds a 12-1 record with 7 knockouts. His last fight was a decision win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in June.
Joshua’s record stands at 28-4 with 25 knockouts. He is a two-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist.
It's official! Jake Paul's next opponent is former champion Anthony Joshua: 6'6, 250 pound knockout artist. Y’all think he'll survive this one? 😳🥊 pic.twitter.com/rEMhu2tFTL
— Rain Drops Media (@Raindropsmedia1) November 12, 2025
The British fighter has faced the division’s elite throughout his career. His resume includes fights against Oleksandr Usyk and Wladimir Klitschko.
Recent Form and Concerns
Joshua has not fought since losing to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Dubois stopped him in the fifth round at Wembley Stadium.
The knockout raised questions about Joshua’s punch resistance. He has shown vulnerability in recent years after losses to Usyk and Dubois.
Paul most recently fought Mike Tyson in November 2024. He weighed 227 pounds for that contest, showing he can carry heavyweight size.
Hearn called Paul “mad” for accepting the fight with Joshua. The promoter acknowledged the danger Joshua presents compared to Paul’s previous opponents.
Joshua knocked out Francis Ngannou in two rounds in March 2024. Ngannou came from UFC with punching power but limited boxing experience, similar to Paul’s profile.
The fight will take place before Joshua potentially pursues other top heavyweight matchups. Hearn mentioned hopes of future fights with Fury and other division leaders.
