In a stunning development for the world of boxing, YouTube sensation turned professional fighter Jake Paul is finalizing a deal to face former world champion Anthony Joshua. This blockbuster heavyweight clash is scheduled for Miami in December and is expected to be a major global broadcast event.
From Davis to Joshua: A Swift Pivot
This new matchup comes after Jake Paul's previously scheduled fight against American rival Gervonta Davis was abruptly canceled. The Davis bout, which was set for this Saturday, was called off last week due to domestic violence allegations currently facing Davis. Paul has now swiftly redirected his focus to the British boxing star, Anthony Joshua, with negotiations reportedly in their final stages.
Potential dates being discussed for the Miami showdown are December 9th and December 12th. The event is expected to be broadcast on Netflix, following the original plan for the canceled Davis fight. This move continues Paul's strategy of securing high-profile, widely distributed events.
Hearn's Hints and the 'Run-Out' Fight
The news aligns with recent comments from Anthony Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn. Hearn had hinted at Joshua's need for a 'run-out' fight, a bout to stay active. Earlier this week, Hearn stated, 'We will make a decision this week on Anthony's next fight. If he fights this year, you probably won't even hear about it, unless it's Jake Paul.'
He further elaborated, 'We would literally rock up on fight week. We've already got opponents that we've been talking to about a run-out fight,' said the Matchroom Boxing chief. Hearn's statements strongly suggest that any bout between Paul and Joshua might be structured as an exhibition, similar to the initial plan for the Davis fight.
The Weight Difference Challenge
One of the most significant questions surrounding this potential fight is the considerable size difference between the two athletes. In Jake Paul's most recent fight against Julio Chavez Jr. in June, he weighed in at 199.4lbs. In stark contrast, Anthony Joshua weighed 252lbs 5oz for his last fight against Daniel Dubois.
However, Paul has shown the capacity to bulk up significantly. For his high-profile bout with Mike Tyson last year, he managed to increase his weight to 220lbs. To be competitive against a natural heavyweight like Joshua, Paul will likely need to reach, or even exceed, that weight again, making his physical transformation a key subplot to the fight.
While further details are still pending, the confirmation of this fight would represent one of the most talked-about crossover events in recent boxing history, pitting a social media megastar against an established force in the heavyweight division.
