YouTube sensation turned professional boxer Jake Paul has publicly detailed the rigorous training and dietary changes he is implementing ahead of his high-profile heavyweight bout against British boxing star Anthony Joshua.
The December Showdown in Miami
The highly anticipated professional fight is scheduled for December 19 in Miami, featuring eight three-minute rounds with both fighters wearing 10oz gloves. This marks Paul's first return to the ring since his points victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in June. The social media star was reportedly eager to secure one more major fight before the end of 2025.
Paul was originally set to face lightweight champion Gervonta Davis earlier this month, but those plans were scrapped after Davis faced serious legal allegations. Fortunately, Paul had wisely reserved a December slot, anticipating potential issues. After calling out several big names, including Terence Crawford and Francis Ngannou, it was the former two-time unified heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, who accepted the challenge.
Strict Weight Stipulations and Paul's Bulk-Up Strategy
There is, however, a significant catch for the British boxer. Anthony Joshua has been instructed not to exceed 245lb for this contest, a notable challenge given he weighed in at 252lb for his recent fights against Daniel Dubois and Ngannou. This weight limit could pose a serious hurdle for the 36-year-old athlete.
For Jake Paul, who primarily competes as a cruiserweight but has previous heavyweight experience from his November victory over Mike Tyson, preparation is key. He is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to bulk up for the Christmas period fight.
"I started eating more pasta, [and] gaining weight," Paul explained in an interview with The Schmo. "Less running, more weightlifting, bench press, squats - I feel like an NFL player, getting ready to take on the big guys."
Sparring with Giants and a Readiness to 'Die'
Paul's camp is taking a no-expense-spared approach to his preparation. He revealed they are bringing in such massive heavyweight sparring partners that they've had to buy two commercial airline seats for each of them. This extreme measure underscores the intensity of his training camp as he acclimatises to facing larger opponents.
Despite many critics and boxing pundits believing he has bitten off more than he can chew, especially after Joshua's imposing presence at their recent Miami press conference, Paul remains defiantly confident. He is even prepared to pay the ultimate price for victory.
"No one thinks I'm going to win so join the list and be ready to be shocked," Paul declared. "I know that I have the power and the timing. It's the shots you don't see coming, and I'm a tricky knockout artist; he has to be careful. I think it will be a fourth or fifth-round knockout. I'm ready to die to win this fight."
The fight is a landmark moment for Paul, who reflected on his journey, stating, "No one ever thought that this would be possible, that we would be here when I first started boxing."
Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul is set for December 19, with ring walks expected around 11pm local time (4am UK time). The entire event will be streamed live on Netflix, making it accessible to a global audience.
