TLDR
- Jake Paul will fight Anthony Joshua on December 19 in Miami at the Kaseya Center
- Paul replaced original opponent Gervonta Davis who withdrew due to civil lawsuit involving battery and kidnapping charges
- Paul said he’s “ready to die in the ring” and called it potentially the biggest upset in boxing history
- Joshua, a two-time heavyweight champion with a 28-4 record, said anything less than a knockout would disappoint him
- Paul previously beat Mike Tyson by unanimous decision in one of boxing’s most-watched fights
Jake Paul will step into the ring against Anthony Joshua on December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami. The fight represents the toughest challenge of Paul’s boxing career.
The bout came together after Paul’s original opponent Gervonta Davis withdrew from their scheduled November 14 fight. Davis is dealing with a civil lawsuit that includes charges of battery and kidnapping.
Paul holds a 12-1 record as a cruiserweight. Joshua is a two-time heavyweight boxing champion with a 28-4 professional record and 25 knockout victories.
At Friday’s press conference in Miami, Paul made strong statements about his commitment to winning. “He’s going to have to kill me to stop me and I’m ready to die,” Paul said. “Seriously, ready to die in the ring to win this fight.”
Paul expressed complete confidence in his ability to win. “Without a shadow of a doubt,” he said when asked if he believes he can beat Joshua. He referenced his previous victories over opponents who were favored against him.
Paul’s Strategy Against the Heavyweight Champion
Paul explained his approach to fighting a larger opponent. “I believe that fighting a smaller man is oftentimes harder as a heavyweight because of the speed difference and because of the foot speed, because of the angles,” he said.
The 27-year-old believes he needs to avoid one big shot for eight rounds. Paul plans to use movement, jabbing, and angles to score points against the former champion.
Paul compared a potential victory to historic boxing upsets. He mentioned Andy Ruiz’s knockout win over Joshua, which gave the British fighter his first career loss. “Biggest stage,” Paul said about his upcoming fight. “This will probably be the second-most viewed fight in the history of boxing behind me and Tyson.”
Joshua Promises Knockout Victory
Joshua showed no concern about facing Paul. “If I’m being honest, I’ma break his face,” the 36-year-old British star said. “I’ma break his body up, I’ma stomp all over him.”
Joshua enters the fight as a massive betting favorite. He said anything short of a knockout would be a disappointment for him.
Both fighters showed mutual respect at the press conference. Joshua praised Paul’s team for organizing the bout on short notice. Paul acknowledged Joshua’s accomplishments as one of the best heavyweights in boxing history.
Paul fought Mike Tyson one year ago in one of combat sports’ most-watched events. The YouTuber-turned-boxer won by unanimous decision against the 59-year-old former champion.
Paul tried to bet his diamond ammo chain on the outcome. Joshua ignored the wager during their face-off.
Paul mentioned future plans to fight Tyson Fury in 2026. His immediate focus remains on the December 19 bout against Joshua in Miami.
