In a collision of worlds that has captivated and confounded the sporting public, YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul faced former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in a professional fight in Miami on Saturday, 20 December 2025. The bout, broadcast on Netflix, represented one of the most bizarre yet significant events in recent boxing memory.
The Buildup to a Bizarre Clash
The fight was sanctioned as a professional contest, meaning knockouts were permitted and the result would be recorded on each man's official professional record. Scheduled for eight three-minute rounds, both combatants wore standard 10oz gloves. At the weigh-in, Joshua came in at 243.4lb, while Paul tipped the scales at 216.4lb. The ring, measuring 22-by-22 feet, was notably larger than the 20-by-20 canvas Joshua typically prefers.
The pre-fight narrative was dominated by Joshua's controversial comments, where the Briton stated, "If I can kill you, I will kill you." He later clarified his remarks, explaining, "That's my job, we fight. We have a licence to kill. Many people don't understand it." These words drew criticism from fellow heavyweight Tyson Fury, with whom Joshua remains linked for a potential future super-fight.
Dispelling the Doubts and Final Predictions
Persistent speculation from fans questioned whether the event was 'scripted', despite legal threats from Paul's Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) against such accusations. Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, vehemently dismissed the idea. "Firstly, it's illegal to have a script when there's a professional, sanctioned contest," Hearn stated. "We would never be involved in an exhibition... We wanna go in there, do a job for boxing, which is what we should be doing, which is ironing this guy out ASAP."
Expert predictions heavily favoured the experienced Joshua. Boxing legend Lennox Lewis asserted that Joshua's career was on the line, suggesting Paul would be "on his bike" after feeling a genuine heavyweight punch. Former champion Andre Ward called for "complete domination" from AJ. Even 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year winner Rory McIlroy, in attendance, said, "I commend Jake for taking this fight, very brave... but I can't see past AJ."
The Main Event Arrives
Following the undercard and two national anthems, the ring walks commenced at the Kaseya Center. Anthony Joshua entered the ring with minimal fuss, presenting a focused and business-like demeanour. In stark contrast, Jake Paul's entrance was a spectacle. He walked out to Rick Derringer's "Real American" – famously used by wrestler Hulk Hogan – while donning the Hulkster's colours and was accompanied by controversial rapper 6ix9ine.
Analyst David Haye predicted Joshua would need to force the action against an evasive Paul. As the fighters awaited the opening bell, the atmosphere crackled with a mix of anticipation and incredulity, marking the culmination of a promotion that blurred the lines between social media stardom and elite athletic competition.
