TLDR
- Anthony Joshua will fight Jake Paul on December 19 in Miami at the Kaseya Center in an eight-round sanctioned heavyweight bout streaming on Netflix
- The fight will use standard rules with 10oz gloves, three-minute rounds, and a 245lb weight limit for Joshua
- Joshua could earn up to $100 million for the fight, which came together after Jake Paul’s original opponent Gervonta Davis withdrew
- Boxing expert Johnny Nelson says Joshua is in a “no-win situation” where victory brings little glory but struggles would damage his reputation
- The fight replaces Joshua’s planned world title rematch with Daniel Dubois, who knocked him out in September
Anthony Joshua Accepts Jake Paul Fight With December 19 Date Set
Anthony Joshua will face Jake Paul in a sanctioned heavyweight boxing match on December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami. The eight-round bout will stream on Netflix without a pay-per-view fee. Both fighters could earn up to $100 million for the contest.
The fight came together quickly after Paul’s original opponent withdrew. Gervonta Davis pulled out of a planned November 14 exhibition following accusations of domestic abuse. His ex-girlfriend filed a civil suit alleging battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Paul’s team and Netflix then searched for a replacement opponent. They approached several fighters including Ryan Garcia and Terence Crawford. Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn put the former champion’s name forward.
Joshua was already planning a December return to the ring. Negotiations moved quickly and terms were agreed. The fight will follow standard professional boxing rules with 10oz gloves and three-minute rounds.
The only special condition requires Joshua to weigh no more than 245 pounds. This is five pounds less than his last fight against Daniel Dubois. Joshua weighed 254 pounds for that September contest, which ended in a knockout loss.
Yes, it’s real.
JAKE PAUL vs. ANTHONY JOSHUA. A career-defining pro heavyweight fight. LIVE only on Netflix Friday, December 19. #JakeJoshua pic.twitter.com/zG4RSqsTxU
— Netflix (@netflix) November 17, 2025
Standard Rules Apply Despite Crossover Nature
The bout will be fully sanctioned with both fighters’ records on the line. This differs from Paul’s previous fight with Mike Tyson. That November contest used two-minute rounds and 12oz gloves.
Paul agreed to face Joshua under regular heavyweight rules. The 28-year-old holds a 12-1 professional record. His only loss came against Tommy Fury in 2023.
Joshua has been absent from the ring since the Dubois defeat. The 36-year-old is a two-time unified world champion. He previously held the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles.
Sky Sports expert Johnny Nelson questioned Joshua’s motivation for taking the fight. Nelson told Sky Sports News that financial incentives appear to be the main factor. He estimated there are “50 million reasons” for Joshua’s decision.
Joshua Promises No Mercy
Joshua issued a warning to Paul ahead of the December date. The British fighter said he would show no mercy in the ring. He plans to deliver a dominant performance.
“Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy,” Joshua said. “I took some time out and I’m coming back with a mega show.”
Joshua sees the fight as a chance to expand his global profile. He struggled to sell out Madison Square Garden for his 2019 fight with Andy Ruiz Jr. That bout ended in a surprise defeat.
Netflix has over 300 million subscribers worldwide. Joshua hopes to reach new audiences through the streaming platform. He also aims to win over Paul’s millions of social media followers.
Joshua’s promoter DAZN agreed to let him fight on Netflix. The streaming service holds an exclusive deal with the heavyweight. They believe Joshua will gain new fans who will follow him in future fights.
Expert Sees No-Win Scenario for Joshua
Nelson believes Joshua faces a difficult situation regardless of the outcome. A dominant victory would meet expectations but bring little additional credit. Struggles against Paul would raise serious questions about Joshua’s current level.
“AJ is in a no-win situation,” Nelson said. “If he goes in there, Jake Paul lasts the distance, what does that tell you about AJ?”
Nelson expects Joshua to win by knockout. He compared the fight to Joshua’s 2024 bout with Francis Ngannou. Joshua knocked out the former UFC champion in devastating fashion.
Paul’s team believes their fighter has a chance due to his confidence. Most Valuable Promotions CEO Nakisa Bidarian cited Paul’s “delusional confidence” as a potential advantage.
Future Plans Remain in Place
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh confirmed Joshua’s schedule will continue after the Paul fight. The heavyweight will box in Riyadh in February. A major London fight is planned for September.
Alalshikh indicated Joshua remains in line for a super-fight with Tyson Fury. The Paul bout will not affect those plans. Joshua appears to be treating this as a lucrative detour rather than a career-defining moment.
Paul’s future depends on the result. A devastating loss could prompt retirement after earning over $100 million in five years. A competitive performance would earn him respect from boxing traditionalists. An upset victory would rank among the sport’s biggest shocks.
