YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul is set to face former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in an eight-round professional heavyweight bout on December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami. Most Valuable Promotions confirmed the matchup, marking one of the biggest challenges of Paul’s fledgling boxing career.
At 28 years old, Paul will confront the 36-year-old Joshua, a two-time holder of the WBO, WBA, and IBF belts and a notable figure in boxing history. Joshua, who boasts a professional record of 28 wins, including 25 knockouts, has a celebrated background as a 2012 Olympic gold medallist. However, he will step into the ring with something to prove, having suffered defeats in his last two outings against Oleksandr Usyk and a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September last year.
This upcoming matchup follows Paul’s recent victory over Mike Tyson, where he emerged victorious by unanimous decision after a tightly contested eight-round fight. In this bout, Paul demonstrated his growing skills and resilience, securing his place as a serious contender in the boxing industry. The fight against Joshua is anticipated to attract considerable attention, being streamed globally on Netflix—building on Paul’s crossover appeal that blends traditional boxing with the modern influencer culture.
Joshua has vowed to show “no mercy” against Paul, indicative of the competitive spirit each fighter brings to the ring. The clash between Paul and Joshua not only promises to deliver an exciting spectacle for boxing fans but also reflects the evolving landscape of the sport, where unconventional matchups are gaining popularity.
As Paul continues his pursuit of greatness in the boxing arena, this fight represents a significant opportunity for both fighters to solidify their legacies, potentially bringing new fans and renewed interest to the sport of boxing in the process.