Jake Paul to Face Anthony Joshua on Dec. 19 in Miami in Shocking Heavyweight Clash

In one of the most unexpected matchups in recent boxing memory, Netflix has announced that Jake Paul (12-1, 0 KOs) will step into the ring against former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (28-4, 0 KOs) on December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami. The bout, which Netflix will stream globally, replaces Paul’s previously scheduled matchup with Gervonta Davis after Davis was withdrawn amid domestic violence allegations.

The sudden change in opponent is one of the most dramatic in boxing history Paul moves from preparing for a lightweight in Davis to taking on a full-fledged heavyweight in Joshua. Instead of an exhibition with modified rules, the new fight will be a fully sanctioned professional heavyweight bout. The two men will compete over eight three-minute rounds using 10-ounce gloves.

Paul’s now-cancelled fight with Davis was widely criticized due to the massive 50-pound weight discrepancy and the unusual rule set designed to make the exhibition possible. Many within the boxing world argued that Paul should face a legitimate heavyweight if he wanted true credibility in the division. With Joshua now across from him, Paul will finally get that chance.

For Paul, this is by far the most dangerous opponent of his career, a former IBF, WBA, and WBO champion who reigned as one of the sport’s most marketable and dominant fighters. A win would rocket Paul into immediate heavyweight legitimacy and could open the door for a future title shot.

Anthony Joshua, now 36, is attempting to rebuild his career after a turbulent four-year stretch. Since his shocking 2019 loss to Andy Ruiz Jr., Joshua has gone just 6-4, including consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk and, most recently, a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois. Against Dubois, Joshua was dropped four times before suffering a fifth-round TKO, and he has not fought in over a year.

Paul, never short on confidence, insists this fight is the moment his critics will be silenced for good. “This isn't an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day," Paul said. “When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears… On Friday, December 19, under the lights in Miami… the torch gets passed and Britain’s Goliath gets put to sleep.”