Anthony Joshua's Boxing Comeback Against Jake Paul Confirmed
Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is set to make his dramatic return to boxing against YouTube sensation turned professional fighter Jake Paul. The highly anticipated bout will take place in Miami on 19 December 2025, marking Joshua's first fight since his surprising defeat to British compatriot Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
The Fight Details and Stakes
The match will consist of eight three-minute rounds with both fighters using 10oz gloves. For the 36-year-old Joshua, who holds a professional record of 28 wins and four losses, this represents a crucial opportunity to reestablish himself after his fifth-round loss to Dubois at Wembley Stadium during their IBF world heavyweight title fight.
Joshua didn't mince words when discussing his comeback, promising the American influencer-turned-boxer "no mercy." He stated: "I took some time out, and I'm coming back with a mega show. It's a big opportunity for me. Whether you like it or not, I'm here to do massive numbers, have big fights and break every record whilst keeping cool, calm and collected."
In a bold declaration that's sure to generate headlines, Joshua added: "Mark my words, you'll see a lot more fighters take these opportunities in the future. I'm about to break the internet over Jake Paul's face."
What's at Stake for Both Fighters
For Jake Paul, victory could propel him into title contention according to his manager Nakisa Bidarian, chief executive of Most Valuable Promotions. Bidarian explained: "For Jake it's doing the impossible, silencing the doubters and putting himself in a position to be in conversation for a belt, and he gets that if he beats Anthony Joshua."
The 28-year-old Paul, who boasts a 12-1 record, last fought at heavyweight when he defeated the then 58-year-old Mike Tyson by unanimous decision in November 2024. He followed that victory with another unanimous decision win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in June 2025.
Paul had been scheduled to face Gervonta Davis this month, but that bout was cancelled following a civil lawsuit filed against the WBA lightweight champion.
Paul labelled the Miami confrontation as "Judgement Day" and issued a stark warning: "A professional heavyweight fight against an elite world champion in his prime. When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears and no one can deny me the opportunity to fight for a world title."
In a message directed at British fans, Paul added: "To all my haters, this is what you wanted. To the people of the United Kingdom, I am sorry. On Friday, December 19, under the lights in Miami, live globally only on Netflix, the torch gets passed and Britain's Goliath gets put to sleep."
The Bigger Picture in Boxing
Bidarian also addressed the controversy surrounding Paul's rapid rise in boxing circles, acknowledging that their success has "angers people in boxing that we can come in and get as much attention and notoriety as we have, as quickly as we have."
He highlighted their unprecedented achievement: "What we've accomplished in four years with Jake, with no amateur background, with no Olympic pedigree, makes everyone kind of take a step back and say, 'What is going on here? How is this possible?'"
For Joshua, Bidarian noted the appeal is straightforward: "He's been out for quite a bit of time, he comes back and does one of the biggest events in the world, and if he knocks out Jake Paul he will be idolised by many within boxing."
The fight represents a fascinating clash between traditional boxing pedigree and the new era of celebrity boxing, with both fighters having everything to prove when they meet in the ring this December.
