Blockbuster Boxing Clash Set for December
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the sporting world, former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is set to face YouTube sensation turned boxer Jake Paul in a professional bout. The fight is expected to be officially confirmed within days after the two camps successfully negotiated a deal.
Fight Details and UK Start Time
The high-profile contest is scheduled to take place in Miami on December 19, placing it just six days before Christmas. This late-year showdown comes after Paul's previously planned exhibition bout with Gervonta Davis was cancelled last week due to a civil lawsuit.
For British fight fans, the main event is anticipated to begin at approximately 4pm UK time. This corresponds to an 11pm local start time in Miami, a scheduling decision made primarily to cater to the lucrative American pay-per-view audience. It is important to note that the exact walk-out times can shift depending on the duration of the undercard fights.
How to Watch and Fight Rules
In a significant departure from Joshua's usual broadcasting arrangements, the fight will be streamed globally by Netflix. This continues the platform's recent foray into live sports, following its broadcast of Paul's controversial match with Mike Tyson. For existing subscribers, this means there will be no additional charge to watch the event.
The contest has been sanctioned as a professional fight. The agreed terms stipulate eight three-minute rounds, with both fighters wearing standard 10oz gloves. Joshua, the Brit, is projected to earn a staggering £50 million for his participation. A significant factor in the bout will be the potential weight discrepancy, with Joshua likely to hold a three-stone advantage over Paul, who has largely competed at cruiserweight.
Background and Pre-Fight Comments
Anthony Joshua has not entered the ring since his surprising fifth-round stoppage loss to British rival Daniel Dubois in September of last year. That defeat interrupted his momentum under trainer Ben Davison and his pursuit of another world title opportunity. This fight with Paul is seen as a high-profile warm-up bout.
Jake Paul, meanwhile, lost to Tommy Fury in 2023 but then secured a points victory over the legendary, albeit 58-year-old, Mike Tyson. He has built his record largely by facing former MMA stars. The build-up has already featured fiery exchanges.
"I want to fight Anthony Joshua because I know I will f****** beat Anthony Joshua's a**. He has no skill, and he is stiff," Paul has claimed.
Joshua, in a more measured tone, responded, "He’s trying, zero amateur experience, throwing himself in the deep end. He’ll probably learn a lot more than a lot of fighters, throwing himself in the deep end, putting himself under pressure. Good luck to him."
With a global Netflix audience and millions of pounds on the line, this crossover clash promises to be one of the most talked-about sporting events of the year.
