Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul Set for December Miami Fight
Two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will face YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul on December 19, 2024, at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. This fight has been confirmed by both Paul’s promotion company, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), and Joshua’s promoter, Matchroom.
Fight Details
The bout will consist of eight three-minute rounds and will be available for streaming on Netflix. This match follows the cancellation of Paul’s planned exhibition against Gervonta Davis, which was set for November 14 in Miami but was scrapped due to a domestic violence lawsuit against Davis.
Anthony Joshua’s Background
- Age: 36
- Titles: Former WBO, WBA, and IBF heavyweight world champion
- Last Fight: Defeated by Daniel Dubois in September 2024
- KOs: 25 wins by knockout out of 32 total victories
Joshua had not fought since his loss to Dubois and underwent elbow surgery afterward. He began training again earlier this year with the intention of returning to the ring before year-end.
Jake Paul’s Journey
- Age: 28
- Professional Fights: 13 with 12 wins
- Last Fight: Victory over Julio César Chávez Jr. by unanimous decision in June
Paul’s professional boxing experience includes bouts against athletes from other sports and retired fighters. He notably fought at heavyweight for the first time against Mike Tyson last November, securing a points victory.
What’s at Stake?
The fight presents Joshua a chance to regain his rhythm after a significant layoff. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, seeks a potential matchup against Tyson Fury in 2026. A successful outing against Paul would serve as a warm-up for that goal.
For Paul, the match is an opportunity to validate his boxing career against a seasoned heavyweight. Winning would enhance his credibility in the sport, which currently features mostly former or non-professional opponents.
Safety Considerations
This upcoming fight is a professional bout, unlike Paul’s previous exhibition with Tyson. Both fighters bring notable size and weight; Joshua weighed in at 252.5 pounds for his last match, while Paul was recorded at 227.2 pounds during his heavyweight fight.
Height-wise, Joshua stands at 6 feet 6 inches, five inches taller than Paul. While the physical differences are manageable, the experience and skill gap raises safety concerns.
Questions about the fight’s legitimacy and safety will be discussed extensively in the lead-up. However, the fame and marketability of both fighters are significant factors in making this matchup a reality.
