In a stunning development that is set to send shockwaves through the boxing world, Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul have verbally agreed to a professional heavyweight showdown scheduled for next month in Miami.
From Dubai Encounter to December Showdown
The upcoming bout marks a significant escalation in the relationship between the two fighters, who first crossed paths three years ago in Dubai. Following Paul's victory over UFC legend Anderson Silva, the American travelled to Dubai for a break, where he unexpectedly encountered Joshua, who was in the country for training and recuperation.
Recalling their initial meeting, Joshua demonstrated considerable respect for Paul's unconventional boxing journey. In an interview with IFL TV, the two-time heavyweight champion remarked: “He’s good for boxing. He has no amateur background and just jumped straight in. He’s learning under pressure, and that will help him evolve quickly.”
The Path to Agreement
The groundwork for this fight was laid earlier this year when Paul initiated a call for a showdown with Joshua in March. The pair shared a brief phone conversation during which they verbally agreed to a potential fight, though discussions subsequently stalled.
Paul remained active in the ring, securing a decision victory over former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in June 2025. More recently, his scheduled fight against lightweight star Gervonta Davis was cancelled after Davis faced serious allegations including battery, false imprisonment, and kidnapping.
Seeking to maintain his activity in the sport, the 'Problem Child' issued several call-outs to prominent boxers, including Joshua. On Wednesday evening, these efforts culminated in both parties agreeing to a heavyweight clash tentatively scheduled for either December 12 or December 19 in Miami.
Professional Rules and Fighter Context
Paul's business partner, Nakisa Bidarian, has clarified that any potential showdown between the fighters would be conducted as a straight professional heavyweight fight. He acknowledged the experience gap between them but emphasized the opportunity's significance, stating: "When an opportunity is there, sometimes if you don't take it, it never comes back."
This professional approach aligns with comments from Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, who insisted back in August that any fight involving 'AJ' must occur under proper Queensberry rules. Hearn explicitly rejected exhibition formats, emphasizing: "If you're going to be taken seriously, then you fight under Queensberry rules."
Joshua returns to the ring following a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 and subsequent injury-related absence for much of 2025. The 36-year-old underwent elbow surgery earlier this year but has since returned to training, with the Paul fight potentially accelerating his training regime.
Meanwhile, Paul continues his remarkable transition from YouTube personality to professional boxer, having made his professional debut in 2020 and steadily building his record against increasingly credible opponents.
