In a bout that has divided the boxing world, Anthony Joshua will make a surprise return to the ring tonight against YouTube sensation turned prizefighter Jake Paul. The controversial heavyweight clash, staged in Miami, sees the former two-time world champion face an opponent few expected him to ever meet.
Joshua's Return and The Stakes
Joshua has been absent from competition for 15 months, following his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois which cost him the chance to become a three-time heavyweight king. His choice of comeback opponent, however, has raised eyebrows. Jake Paul, the social media star with a growing boxing record, represents a high-profile but heavily criticised matchup for the Olympic gold medallist.
Despite the scepticism, the fight is set to proceed in the early hours of Saturday morning UK time, with Joshua installed as the overwhelming favourite. Most pundits predict a swift conclusion, potentially within the first two rounds. Paul, ever the disruptor, insists he will score the biggest upset in boxing history and have his hand raised in victory.
How and When to Watch in the UK
For UK fans, it will be a late night. The event is being streamed globally on Netflix, marking a significant move for the platform into live sports. Existing subscribers can watch at no extra cost, while new users can sign up via various bundles.
The main event ring walks are expected at around 3.30am UK time on Saturday, with the fight to start shortly after. The full schedule is as follows:
- Keno Marley vs Diarra Davis Jr - 10pm
- Avious Griffin vs Justin Cardona - 10.30pm
- Yokasta Valle vs Yadira Bustillos - 11pm
- Caroline Dubois vs Camila Panatta - 11.30pm
- Cherneka Johnson vs Amanda Calla - 12.15am
- Jahmal Harvey vs Kevin Cervantes - 1am
- Anderson Silva vs Tyron Woodley - 1.45am
- Alycia Baumgardner vs Leila Beaudoin - 2.30am
- Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua - 3.30am
All times are subject to change depending on the length of the undercard bouts.
Fighters' Final Words
The pre-fight rhetoric has been typically fiery. Anthony Joshua did not mince his words in a final message to his opponent and the fans.
"I want them (fans) to pray for me, I want them to pray for my opponent because he’s going to need it," Joshua stated. "I’m going to outclass this kid... I’m a serious, serious fighter and you’re going to get f***ed up, it is what it is."
Jake Paul, embodying the role of confident challenger, claimed to sense vulnerability in the favourite.
"I smell fear. I see something in his eyes, I truly do," said Paul. "The pressure is on him, I’m fighting free, I’ve already won... I'm here to show the world what’s possible, show kids what’s possible with self-belief."
Tonight's event promises spectacle, whether through a dominant display from a returning champion or a historic shock that would reverberate far beyond the boxing ring. All eyes will be on Netflix as this unlikely heavyweight chapter unfolds.
