In a stunning turn of events, former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is set to face YouTube sensation turned professional boxer Jake Paul just days before Christmas. The fight, confirmed for December 19, will be streamed live on Netflix from Miami.
From Davis Cancellation to Joshua Showdown
The high-profile match materialised after Paul's originally scheduled bout against lightweight world champion Gervonta Davis was abruptly cancelled. Davis faced serious allegations of kidnap from his ex-girlfriend, forcing the fight's cancellation.
Paul's business partner, Nakisa Bidarian, confirmed that discussions swiftly moved to securing a fight with the British heavyweight star. The American, aged 28, will now step into the ring with the 36-year-old Joshua, marking one of the most talked-about crossovers in recent boxing history.
Joshua's Return and Future Ambitions
This fight represents Joshua's first appearance since his devastating knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley last September. For the former champion, this lucrative encounter is viewed as a strategic warm-up fight.
Joshua sees the Paul match as preparation for a potential blockbuster clash with rival Tyson Fury next year. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, had previously hinted that Joshua might feature on an undercard unless terms with Paul were agreed, emphasising the significance of this particular matchup.
Paul's Unconventional Rise and The Challenge Ahead
Jake Paul has built his professional record primarily against former MMA stars, with his only defeat coming against Tommy Fury in 2023. This fight against Joshua represents a monumental step up in competition.
Earlier this year, Paul had challenged Joshua for a match in early 2026. However, when the opportunity presented itself sooner, his team recognised it couldn't be passed over. Bidarian had previously expressed a desire to give Paul more time to develop his skills to neutralise Joshua's power, stating, "the likelihood of Anthony Joshua being able to land a heavyweight punch is much higher than what Mike Tyson had".
Joshua himself has praised Paul's impact on the sport, commenting that the American is "good for boxing" and noting his rapid evolution despite having no amateur background. The December 19 fight on Netflix promises to be a major event in the boxing calendar, blending established heavyweight pedigree with social media stardom.
