A fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua no longer is in negotiations.
It’s real, as in going to happen, according to a news release issued by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), co-founded by Paul. MVP is partnering with Netflix, which will livestream the fight on Dec. 19 at Kaseya Center in Miami.
The fight will be a sanctioned, professional heavyweight bout contested over eight, three-minute rounds with 10-ounce gloves, according to the news released MVP issued Monday, Nov. 17.
Without even stepping into the ring, Paul may have won another fight – against critics who have mocked him for the caliber of his opponents. Those opponents include a YouTuber, a retired NBA player, four MMA fighters and the 58-year-old version of Mike Tyson.
Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion, clearly will present Paul with his toughest test yet.
Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul odds
Odds according to bet365 as of Nov. 17, 10:49 a.m. ET:
- Jake Paul 11/2
- Anthony Joshua 1/10
Anthony Joshua record, weight, size
Boxing commissions could balk at sanctioning the fight because Joshua has considerably more experience and has fought far superior boxers. To wit:
Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) has been in 13 title fights and has fought Oleksandr Usyk, the current undisputed heavyweight champion. (He lost both bouts by decision.) Joshua won a gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
In addition to a wide edge with experience and quality of opponents, Joshua would also have a size advantage.
Joshua is 6-6 and has weighed in at 250 pounds or more for his last five bouts.
Jake Paul record, weight, size
Meanwhile, Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) has been in 13 fights, total.
Paul has touted the significance of a victory over former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., even though Chavez had not held a world title since 2012. He partnered with USA Boxing before the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Paul is 6-1 and typically fights as a cruiserweight, which has a 200-pound maximum for the weigh-in. The only time Paul fought as a heavyweight was against Tyson. Paul weighed in at 227 pounds before a victory by unanimous decision over Tyson, who weighed in at 228 1/2 pounds.
(This story was updated with new information.)