Anthony Joshua has travelled to Miami weeks ahead of his scheduled bout with Jake Paul, as the former two-time unified heavyweight champion prioritises acclimatisation and rigorous preparation. The British boxer, who last fought in September 2024, is returning from elbow surgery and aims to be in peak condition for the December 19 clash.
The fight, to be streamed live on Netflix, will see Joshua face the YouTuber-turned-boxer over eight three-minute rounds with 10oz gloves. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed Joshua is already in Florida and training intensely, treating the contest with the seriousness of a world title bout. 'He's really dialled in as if he was fighting an elite heavyweight,' Hearn told talkSPORT.
Joshua must weigh no more than 245lb for the fight, a significant cut from his natural heavyweight weight. Hearn revealed he had initially misled MVP chairman Nakisa Bidarian about Joshua's weight, claiming it was 290lb when in reality it was closer to 265lb. The promoter added that the weight clause was a concession to give Paul a perceived 'disadvantage'.
The bout, taking place just before Christmas, is expected to start at around 11pm Miami time (4am UK), with the undercard schedule subject to change. Joshua, determined to rebound from his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, is taking no chances against the American influencer.
