In a stunning development for the boxing world, former two-time world champion Anthony Joshua has agreed to face YouTube sensation turned professional boxer Jake Paul in a heavyweight clash set for Miami on December 19.
The Text Message That Sealed The Deal
The fight was confirmed after the two fighters took matters into their own hands, bypassing traditional negotiation channels. Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul exchanged direct text messages to agree to the showdown, a move that accelerated the process significantly.
According to Paul's business partner, Nakisa Bidarian, the exchange was straightforward. "Jake said, 'Do you wanna do this?' and AJ said, 'Yeah'", Bidarian revealed. This direct communication between the athletes proved pivotal in getting the bout over the line.
A Replacement Fight With Major Implications
This bout marks Anthony Joshua's first return to the ring in 15 months. He steps in as a late replacement for lightweight world champion Gervonta Davis, who was removed from the card after being accused of kidnapping by his ex-girlfriend.
For Joshua, this fight is viewed as a strategic warm-up ahead of a blockbuster 2026. Provided he avoids a humiliating defeat by Paul, the Brit is scheduled for a high-profile return to Saudi Arabia in February. This is expected to be followed by a long-awaited, monumental showdown with Tyson Fury in September.
Overcoming The Hurdles
One significant obstacle was Joshua's existing exclusivity agreement with the streaming service DAZN. However, a deal was structured where Matchroom, Joshua's promoter, would obtain the rights for the fight to be broadcast on Netflix.
Bidarian commented on DAZN's surprising agreement, suggesting, "My assumption is they believe AJ is going to kill Jake Paul so they agreed to let it happen." He contrasted this with their quick refusal to allow a fight between Paul and another of their assets, Ryan Garcia, implying different confidence levels in their fighters.
The path to this fight began back in March when Paul first expressed his desire to fight Joshua, a challenge that was initially dismissed as clout-chasing. Now, it has become a reality, setting the stage for one of the most talked-about boxing events of the year.
