In a stunning announcement that has sent shockwaves through the sporting world, Netflix has officially confirmed the much-rumoured professional boxing match between British heavyweight Anthony Joshua and YouTube sensation turned boxer Jake Paul.
The Fight Details
The blockbuster event, dubbed 'Judgement Day', is scheduled for December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. The professional bout will be contested over eight rounds in the heavyweight division, with a specific condition that Anthony Joshua cannot weigh more than 245lbs – a notable challenge given the 36-year-old has exceeded that limit in each of his last five fights.
Joshua (28-4), the former heavyweight world champion, last fought at a lighter weight of 244.5lbs against Oleksandr Usyk in August 2022. His opponent, Jake Paul (12-1), represents a significant step up in competition despite his social media fame.
Fighter Reactions and Predictions
Breaking his silence on the matchup, Joshua delivered a characteristically confident statement. 'Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy,' he declared. 'I took some time out and I'm coming back with a mega show. It's a big opportunity for me.'
The Olympic gold medallist further emphasised his commercial ambitions, stating: '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 prediction, Joshua added: 'I'm about to break the internet over Jake Paul's face.'
Paul responded with equal bravado, insisting: 'This isn't an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day. A professional heavyweight fight against an elite world champion in his prime.' The 26-year-old sees this as his opportunity to silence critics, claiming: '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 the people of the United Kingdom, I am sorry.' He concluded with a dramatic prediction: '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.'
Industry Reaction and Context
The boxing establishment has weighed in with mixed reactions. Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport, offered a cautionary note: 'They say be careful what you wish for, kind of feel like that's all I need to say.' While acknowledging Paul's courage, Hearn added: 'Whilst I admire Jake's balls, he's going to find out the hard way in Miami.'
The fight represents a monumental step up for Paul, whose previous victories have come against MMA fighters, journeymen, and boxers past their prime. His most notable wins include out-pointing Mike Tyson last year and Julio Cesar Chavez in June. His sole defeat came against Tommy Fury via split decision in February 2023.
Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, highlighted the surprising nature of this matchup: 'Everyone laughed when Jake Paul said in March that he wanted to fight AJ in 2026. Well, plans changed, and in under two weeks, MVP and Netflix have made one of the biggest fights of all time.'
Bidarian acknowledged Joshua's advantages but pointed to Paul's unique mindset: 'Joshua has every advantage in this fight, except one – the delusional confidence of Jake Paul, and if anyone can shock the world, it's him.'
Tickets for the event go on pre-sale on November 21, with general sale beginning the following day. Joshua's last appearance in the ring was a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September 2024, making this comeback particularly significant for the British boxing star.
