In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, Anthony Joshua has announced he will face YouTube sensation Jake Paul in a professional heavyweight contest.
The highly anticipated bout is scheduled for 19 December 2025 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, and will be streamed live to a global audience on Netflix.
A Surprising Change of Camp
Adding a remarkable twist to the fight's narrative, Joshua revealed he is making another significant change to his training setup. The British heavyweight is moving on from coach Ben Davison and will instead prepare for the Paul fight by training with the team of his former rival, Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua's camp will be based in Spain, with an individual named Igor expected to take the lead as his head coach. This move is particularly notable given Joshua's history with the Ukrainian champion, having suffered two decisive professional defeats to Usyk in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
Joshua's Return and Paul's Prediction
This fight marks Joshua's official return to the ring after a 15-month absence. The former champion stated that he took a full 12 months away from the sport to realign his vision and consolidate his business interests outside of boxing.
His opponent, Jake Paul, has expressed supreme confidence ahead of the clash. The social media star turned boxer predicted a fourth or fifth-round knockout victory. While acknowledging Joshua as one of the best heavyweights in the sport, Paul believes he possesses the skill to avoid Joshua's renowned power and secure a win.
What This Means for Boxing
This bout represents a fascinating crossover event that blends traditional boxing with new-era celebrity influence. Joshua's decision to enlist the help of Usyk's team, the very camp that masterminded his previous defeats, indicates a serious and strategic approach to what many are calling the biggest fight of his comeback.
All eyes will now be on the training camps in the lead-up to 19 December, as two of the most talked-about figures in modern boxing prepare for a showdown that promises to capture the world's attention.
