By Sport Analyst
Emmanuel Afonja
The long-rumoured clash between internet sensation-turned-boxer Jake Paul and former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has officially been confirmed for December 19. The highly anticipated bout will take place at the Kaseya Center in Florida and will be streamed globally on Netflix.
The fight, scheduled for eight rounds with 10oz gloves, marks a dramatic step up for Jake Paul, who was originally set to face Gervonta Davis before legal issues forced the lightweight star out. Anthony Joshua now steps in as the replacement—bringing far more experience, power, and pedigree to the ring.
Paul, never one to shy away from bold statements, promised fans that this match would silence every critic once and for all.
“This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day,” he declared.
He added that defeating Joshua would cement his legitimacy and clear his path toward a world title opportunity.
Joshua, meanwhile, is preparing for his first fight since his knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois. Determined to return stronger, the British heavyweight said he is ready for anyone who steps into the ring with him.
“Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy,” Joshua stated, emphasising his comeback mindset.
He also hinted that the entertainment-first approach of modern boxing is something other fighters will soon embrace, promising a massive show for fans worldwide.
Jake Paul last competed at heavyweight in a headline-grabbing exhibition bout against Mike Tyson, where he claimed a points victory. Joshua, with 28 wins and four losses in his professional record, remains one of boxing’s biggest global attractions. His decorated career has seen him capture and unify the WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, first defeating Wladimir Klitschko in 2017 and later reclaiming his belts from Andy Ruiz in 2019.
With Paul’s showmanship and Joshua’s raw power, the December 19 contest is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about events of the year—an unlikely matchup that has boxing and entertainment fans buzzing in equal measure.
