Strange But Seismic: Joshua vs Paul Set for Netflix
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the sporting world, former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is officially set to fight YouTube sensation turned professional boxer Jake Paul. This highly unexpected match-up has been confirmed for a professional bout, with the result permanently marking each man's record.
Fight Details and Unusual Format
The contest is scheduled for Friday 19 December at the Kaseya Center in Miami. In a significant departure from the norm, the heavyweight fight is being discussed for a potential format of eight two-minute rounds. This would make it notably shorter than standard professional boxing matches on the men's side of the sport.
Adding another layer of intrigue, the fight marks a major broadcasting shift. Anthony Joshua will be stepping away from his usual platform, DAZN, to have this contest streamed globally on Netflix.
A Tale of Two Careers
The contrast between the two fighters could not be more pronounced. Anthony Joshua, the 36-year-old Briton, boasts a formidable record of 28-4 with 25 knockout wins. His career is decorated with victories over legends like Wladimir Klitschko and a host of other elite-level heavyweights, including Joseph Parker and Alexander Povetkin.
His opponent, Jake Paul, is 28 years old and built his initial fame on YouTube and the Disney Channel. He has since crafted a professional boxing record of 12-1 with 7 KO wins. Paul's resume includes wins over former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and ex-UFC champions Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva.
Most controversially, Paul went the distance with a 58-year-old Mike Tyson in November 2024, winning on points in a fight contested over eight two-minute rounds.
What's Next for AJ and the British Boxing Scene
For Joshua, this fight comes after a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024, the fourth defeat of his career. This unusual match-up with Paul occurs as the British public continues to wait for a generational domestic showdown between Joshua and Tyson Fury.
According to Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, a fight with the 37-year-old Fury is being targeted for early 2026. This bout with Jake Paul represents a fascinating and lucrative detour on that path.
