The highly anticipated boxing showdown between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul has received a major boost with the official announcement of a stacked undercard, featuring a clash between two UFC legends.
Blockbuster Fight Night Details
The main event between the British heavyweight star and the YouTube sensation is scheduled for December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, just six days before Christmas. The bout will be contested over eight three-minute rounds, with both fighters wearing 10oz gloves, and the result will officially count towards their professional records.
For UK fight fans, the event presents a late night, with the main event ringwalks expected around 4am UK time to accommodate the American prime-time audience. The entire spectacle will be broadcast live globally on Netflix.
Stacked Undercard Features UFC Icons
Adding significant firepower to the event, dubbed 'Judgment Day', is a professional cruiserweight bout between former UFC champions Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley. Their six-round contest at 195lbs was confirmed after Woodley stepped in to replace the injured Chris Weidman.
This marks Woodley's first return to the ring since being brutally knocked out by Jake Paul four years ago. Silva, the former UFC middleweight king, stated, "I believe that change always happens for a reason. I am focused on doing a good job. Always respecting my opponent and showing total respect to the boxing world."
Woodley responded with his own confident prediction: "Rising to occasions like this are the moments where legends are born."
Championship Fights Complete the Card
The co-main event will see undisputed super featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner defend her titles against Leila Beaudoin in a bout scheduled for 12 three-minute rounds.
The preliminary card is headlined by a bantamweight title clash between undisputed champion Cherneka Johnson and Amanda Galle. Further down the card, Yokasta Valle will defend her strawweight title against Yadira Bustillos, while Avious Griffin faces Justin Cardona.
Adding to the excitement, two-time Brazilian Olympian Keno Marley will make his professional debut against Diarra Davis Jr. Promoters have indicated that two more bouts are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Nakisa Bidarian, MVP chief, hailed the event, saying: "Anderson Silva vs. Tyron Woodley is an iconic matchup, continuing to elevate Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day into one of the most scintillating combat sports events of the decade... Friday, December 19 is poised to become one of the most unforgettable nights in boxing history."
