In a stunning announcement that has sent shockwaves through the sporting world, it has been confirmed that British boxing icon Anthony Joshua will step into the ring against internet sensation Jake Paul this December.
The Blockbuster Confirmation
The highly-anticipated heavyweight bout is officially set for 19 December in Miami, with the event being broadcast live globally on streaming giant Netflix. Paul's company, Most Valuable Promotions, made the formal announcement on Monday, confirming rumours that had been circulating throughout the boxing community earlier this month.
Paul, never one to shy away from bold statements, declared: "This isn't an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day. 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."
Fighters' Perspectives and Stakes
The 36-year-old Joshua, a former two-time unified heavyweight champion and 2012 Olympic gold medallist, hasn't fought since being stopped by Daniel Dubois in September 2024. He responded to Paul's bravado with characteristic confidence.
"Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy," Joshua 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 what promises to be one of the most memorable lines leading up to the fight, 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."
Netflix's Boxing Dominance and Financial Windfall
This event continues Netflix's surprising emergence as a major player in live sports broadcasting. The platform's first boxing show featuring Paul against Mike Tyson became the most-streamed sporting event in history, achieving remarkable statistics:
- Peaked at 65 million live concurrent streams
- Drew an estimated 108 million average live viewers worldwide
- Accounted for 56% of all US television viewing during the fight's main event hour
- Became Netflix's No. 1 title that week across 78 countries
Both fighters are set to earn tens of millions of pounds from the December spectacle, highlighting the enormous commercial appeal of crossover boxing events.
Joshua represents the most significant challenge of Paul's boxing career to date. While Paul previously fought former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, Joshua presents a different calibre of opponent - 23 years younger than Tyson and still operating close to his physical prime.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, offered a cautionary note to Paul: "They say be careful what you wish for, kind of feel like that's all I need to say. Two of the biggest names in the sport will collide on 19 December. Whilst I admire Jake's balls, he's going to find out the hard way in Miami."
The fight comes after Paul's originally scheduled bout against Gervonta Davis on 14 November was cancelled following Davis's removal from the card amid domestic violence allegations.
