Just over a week following the cancellation of the exhibition boxing match between Jake Paul and WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis, the boxing community is buzzing with excitement regarding a potential new matchup. Ring Magazine reports that Paul is nearing a deal to fight former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, with the bout anticipated to take place in December in Miami.
This fight will reportedly air on Netflix and is linked to the streaming service’s previously announced plans for a significant boxing event set for 2025. Following the cancellation of the November 14 event with Davis, Most Valuable Promotions acted quickly to find a replacement opponent. Despite contacting several fighters, including Ryan Garcia, it appears that Joshua is the leading candidate to face Paul.
Joshua’s last appearance in the ring was against Daniel Dubois in September 2024, where he experienced a surprising fifth-round knockout, preventing him from achieving a third world heavyweight championship title. The looming fight between Joshua and Paul carries additional weight, creating a fresh storyline in the wake of the Davis match’s disruption.
The cancellation of the Paul-Davis match resulted from a civil lawsuit filed against Davis, wherein he is facing allegations that include aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. This development highlights the unpredictability of the sport and the myriad challenges that athletes can encounter off the ring.
As fans eagerly anticipate this high-profile potential matchup, the boxing world is alive with speculation and hopes for a thrilling showdown that could revitalize the heavyweight scene and engage a broader audience through platforms like Netflix.