Former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua will fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a heavyweight bout on December 19.
The jaw-dropping contest was announced on Monday afternoon and will take place at the Kaseya Center in Miami – although with some stipulations.
The fight, which will be streamed live on Netflix, will consist of eight three-minute rounds – not the usual 12 three-minute rounds.
In addition Joshua must weigh at 245lbs or less for the bout. For context, the Brit has weighed more than 250lbs during his last three fights.
However, both fighters will wear regulation 10-ounce gloves.
The decision to fight Joshua for Paul is in stark contrast to his original plans for his next bout. He was meant to have fought lightweight world champion Gervonta Davis last Friday but that was cancelled earlier this month days after a lawsuit was filed against Davis by his ex-girlfriend accusing him of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Jake Paul confident he will cause an upset
Paul became famous via YouTube, where has close to 21million subscibers, before turning his hand to boxing.
He fought at a heavyweight weight of 227.5lbs when he beat legendary boxer Mike Tyson in an exhibition fight last November.
The American – who has a 12-1 win-loss record, with seven knockouts – has only boxed a total of 70 rounds since turning professional in 2020.
However, following the announcement to fight Joshua, the 28-year-old is confident in his abilities: ‘This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgement Day.
‘When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears, and no-one can deny me the opportunity to fight for a world title. To all my haters, this is what you wanted.’
Anthony Joshua excited for the ‘big opportunity’
Paul’s boxing record pales insignificantly to Joshua who has won 28 bouts, 25 via way of knockout, and lost four across a 12-year professional career. Within that too he has boxed more than 160 rounds.
The 36-year-old’s last fight saw him knocked out by Daniel Dubois 14 months ago but he is relishing the chance to take on Paul.
‘I took some time out and I’m coming back with a mega show. It’s a big opportunity for me,’ said the 2012 Olympic gold medallist.
‘Whether you like it or not, I’m here to do massive numbers, have big fights and break every record whilst keeping cool, calm and collected.
‘Mark my words, you’ll see a lot more fighters take these opportunities in the future. I’m about to break the internet over Jake Paul’s face.’
