While the spotlight is firmly fixed on the colossal heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul in Miami tonight, a stacked undercard promises to deliver high-stakes drama long before the main event. For British fight fans, it's set to be a long night of action, with the headline bout not expected until the early hours.
Joshua's High-Stakes Return Against the YouTube Sensation
Anthony Joshua makes his long-awaited return to the ring, 15 months after a devastating knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. That defeat cost him the chance to become a three-time world heavyweight champion. Tonight, he faces a very different challenge in the shape of social media superstar turned boxer, Jake Paul.
Paul, who has only been boxing professionally for five years, enters the bout confident of causing what would be one of the greatest upsets in sporting history. He has built his record primarily against former MMA fighters and notably faced a 58-year-old Mike Tyson. Despite the apparent gulf in experience, the American is bullish about his chances of knocking out the British former champion.
A Night of Championship Action on the Undercard
Before the main event, a series of compelling bouts will warm up the crowd, featuring established champions and rising prospects. The action is scheduled to unfold throughout the night for UK viewers.
Keno Marley vs Diarra Davis Jr kicks off the televised card at approximately 10pm UK time. Brazilian Olympian Marley makes his professional debut, while Davis Jr brings a record of two wins from three fights.
At 10.30pm, Avious Griffin looks to bounce back from his first career defeat against Justin Cardona. Griffin was narrowly ahead on some scorecards before being stopped in the final round of his last outing.
The first world title fight of the evening follows at 11pm, as the vastly experienced Yokasta Valle defends her strawweight crown against the dangerous Yadira Bustillos. Valle is a six-time champion across three weight classes.
Caroline Dubois then defends her lightweight world title at around 11.30pm against Camila Panatta. This marks Dubois's first fight since signing with Jake Paul's promotional outfit. She currently holds the sole world championship in the family after her brother Daniel's loss to Oleksandr Usyk.
Main Card Highlights and UK Ring Walk Schedule
The preliminary card headliner at 12.15am sees Cherneka Johnson put her undisputed bantamweight titles on the line against Amanda Galle. Johnson made history last summer by becoming Australia's first four-belt champion.
Olympian Jahmal Harvey, a key signing for Jake Paul's MVP, features at 1am against the unbeaten Kevin Cervantes, guaranteeing one fighter's '0' must go.
In a fascinating clash of UFC legends at 1.45am, Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley meet in a 195lb catchweight boxing match. Both men have previously lost to Jake Paul.
One of women's boxing's standout stars, Alycia Baumgardner, fights at 2.30am against Leila Beaudoin. Notably, Baumgardner has vacated her WBC super-featherweight title to compete in this 12-round, three-minute format contest.
Finally, the moment everyone is waiting for: the Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul ring walk is expected around 3.30am UK time. The fight will be streamed live globally on Netflix, with UK fans able to access the platform via Sky's TV bundles.
While Joshua enters as the overwhelming favourite, the unpredictable nature of boxing and Jake Paul's self-belief ensure that all eyes will be on Miami for a potentially historic night.
