Featured Image Credit: Netflix & Most Valuable Promotions
Topics: Jake Paul, Anthony Joshua, Boxing
Josh Lawless
Topics: Jake Paul, Anthony Joshua, Boxing
A detail spotted on the official Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua poster has led to many claiming the sport of boxing is "finished"
After rumours swirled online, it was finally confirmed on Monday that Paul and Joshua will lock horns in a superfight on 19 December at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
Paul had been scheduled to face WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis at the same venue in November but the fight was postponed after a domestic abuse civil lawsuit was filed against his opponent.
But the 28-year-old's team got to work on a swift replacement fight before the end of 2026 and announced a professional heavyweight encounter with former two-time unified world champion Joshua.
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The pair will meet in a showdown to be streamed live around the world on Netflix, doing battle over eight three-minute rounds and with 10oz gloves.
The fight is expected to generate similar buzz and viewing figures to Paul's heavyweight match-up with Mike Tyson in November 2024 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
And rather interestingly, as was the case then, Paul was on the left side of the poster and his name first to signal that he is the A side for the fight - a move which riled up many boxing purists.
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Boxing reporter Charlie Parsons of the Stomping Ground responded, writing: "Jake Paul is the A side against Anthony Joshua in that fight???? Jesus Christ man what’s gone on with this world."
Paul's last fight was a win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in June, with Joshua having an extended period of inactivity ever since his brutal Wembley knockout loss at the hands of Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
He lost his place in the heavyweight rankings and recently underwent elbow surgery, with Paul, typically a cruiserweight, adamant a win over Joshua will stand him in stead for a world title shot.
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"This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day,” Paul said ahead of the biggest fight of his career.
“A professional heavyweight fight against an elite world champion in his prime. 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. To the people of the United Kingdom, I am sorry. On Friday, December 19, under the lights in Miami, live globally only on Netflix, the torch gets passed and Britain’s Goliath gets put to sleep."
Joshua has been lobbying for an all-British slugfest with Tyson Fury but will instead take on Paul in what will be just his second fight in the United States after his 2019 world title loss to Andy Ruiz.
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Responding to criticism of his decision to face Paul, a defiant Joshua said: “Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy. I took some time out and I’m coming back with a mega show. It’s a big opportunity for me. 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.”