In a move that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has agreed to face YouTube sensation-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a professional bout scheduled for December 19 in Miami.
The Controversial Matchup Details
The fight will be contested over eight rounds and officially classified as a professional contest, marking one of the most unexpected matchups in recent boxing history. Joshua hasn't fought since his loss to Daniel Dubois in September last year, making this an unexpected return for the British boxing star.
Financial incentives appear significant, with Joshua expected to earn at least £50 million for the bout, despite his existing exclusive broadcasting deal with DAZN. The fight will be streamed globally on Netflix, potentially reaching one of the largest audiences ever for a boxing match.
Paul brings a 12-1 professional record into the contest, with his sole defeat coming against Tommy Fury in 2023. The social media star scored a decision victory over boxing legend Mike Tyson last November and has since defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Boxing World Reacts With Shock and Concern
Prominent figures from across the boxing spectrum have expressed strong opinions about the matchup, with many questioning the wisdom of pitting an experienced former champion against a relative newcomer.
Derek Chisora, former heavyweight title challenger, didn't mince words: "If that fight happens, somebody better go to jail. AJ is going to kill him, it's unfair. Someone has to go to jail." He added concerningly that "Jake Paul goes home in an ambulance after that fight."
Joseph Parker, former WBO heavyweight champion, questioned the logic behind Joshua's decision: "If AJ wants to be serious, then he needs to fight the top fighters in the world. Jake Paul has done well to promote himself... but he's not really a real boxer."
Safety Concerns and Physical Disparities
The physical mismatch between the fighters has raised eyebrows throughout the sport. Paul has primarily fought as a cruiserweight, meaning Joshua will enjoy a significant size and weight advantage over his less experienced opponent.
Tommy Fury, the only boxer to defeat Paul, expressed disbelief about the matchup: "If I can beat Jake Paul, then what the f*** is 'AJ' going to do to Jake Paul? Even if 'AJ' had a broken arm in there, it still wouldn't go past a minute. As a safety aspect, there's no way that fight can go ahead."
Even Joshua's own coach, Ben Davison, described the matchup as "deluded" from Paul's perspective, noting that "Anthony Joshua is probably the most dangerous man, or one of the most dangerous men in the sport."
Promoter Confirms Professional Rules
Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, confirmed this won't be an exhibition match. "We're not interested in exhibitions. It's a real fight with Queensberry rules, 10-ounce gloves," he stated, adding that the weight class would likely be adjusted to better suit Paul, calling it "a cruiserweight moving up to heavyweight."
Hearn acknowledged the financial appeal, noting the fight offers "50 times more money than we were going to fight for" in Joshua's next scheduled bout. Despite initial doubts, he admitted "if there is any chance of that fight happening next week, you'll probably hear about it."
Speculation continues that Joshua may face long-time rival Tyson Fury next year, making the Paul encounter an unexpected but highly lucrative detour in his boxing career.
