The high-profile heavyweight boxing match between YouTube sensation turned professional boxer Jake Paul and former world champion Anthony Joshua will be subject to the strictest anti-doping protocols in the sport.
Stringent Anti-Doping Measures Enforced
In a significant move to ensure a clean contest, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has been appointed to oversee the drug-testing programme for the fight. Both pugilists will be enrolled in a rigorous system featuring random, unannounced testing in the lead-up to their December showdown.
This decision directly addresses the persistent allegations of performance-enhancing drug use that have followed Jake Paul throughout his five-year professional career. Paul proactively dispelled these rumours ahead of his previously scheduled fight with Gervonta Davis, and the same stringent USADA policy will now apply to his bout with Joshua.
Fight Details and Fighter Background
The much-anticipated professional heavyweight contest is scheduled for Friday, December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. The bout is set for eight three-minute rounds, with both men wearing 10oz gloves.
Jake Paul enters the ring following a victory over former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in June. Conversely, Anthony Joshua is looking to rebound from a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
Nakisa Bidarian, chief of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), emphasised the comprehensiveness of the testing regime in comments to the Daily Mail. "We are enrolled in the highest level of USADA for this fight," Bidarian stated. "Jake was tested eight times by USADA during the past... seven weeks since we started the programme... That's just going to continue. Randomised testing, frequent testing."
Broadcast and Timing for UK Fans
For British fight fans, the event presents a late night. The main event ring walks are expected at approximately 11pm local time in Miami, which translates to 4am UK time on the morning of December 20. The entire event will be broadcast live globally on the streaming platform Netflix, making it one of the most accessible major boxing events of the year.
