Jake Paul to Face Anthony Joshua in Heavyweight Boxing Match

YouTuber-turned-boxer takes on former heavyweight champion in high-stakes professional bout

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:11am

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A cubist-style painting depicting the boxing match between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua, with the fighters' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, conveying the intensity and drama of the event.Two heavyweight boxing icons collide in a high-stakes showdown, with the future of the sport hanging in the balance.Today in Miami

On December 19th, the Kaseya Center in Miami will host a professional heavyweight boxing match between YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. The fight, which will be exclusively live-streamed on Netflix, will consist of eight intense 3-minute rounds with the fighters donning 10-ounce gloves.

Why it matters

This fight represents a major challenge for Jake Paul, who has had a controversial yet captivating boxing career, as he takes on one of the hardest-hitting heavyweights in the world in Anthony Joshua. The outcome could have significant implications for Paul's aspirations to fight for a world title, while also serving as a test of Joshua's ability to bounce back from a recent loss and regain his status as a top heavyweight.

The details

Paul, with only 70 rounds as a pro since 2020, is stepping into the ring with Joshua, who has over 160 rounds boxed in his 12-year professional career. Joshua, a former Olympic gold medalist and two-time unified heavyweight champion, is considered a formidable opponent, having last fought in September 2024 when he was stopped in the fifth round of his IBF title fight against Daniel Dubois. Joshua has since undergone elbow surgery and has been sidelined since.

  • The fight will take place on December 19th, 2026 at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
  • Joshua last fought in September 2024, when he was stopped in the fifth round of his IBF title fight against Daniel Dubois.

The players

Jake Paul

A YouTuber-turned-boxer who has had a controversial yet captivating boxing career, with only 70 rounds as a pro since 2020.

Anthony Joshua

A former two-time unified heavyweight champion, Olympic gold medalist, and one of the hardest-hitting heavyweights in the world, with over 160 rounds boxed in his 12-year professional career.

Nakisa Bidarian

The CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, the company promoting the fight.

Eddie Hearn

Anthony Joshua's promoter, who had initially planned for a massive all-British fight with Tyson Fury in 2025 before this fight with Jake Paul was arranged.

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What they’re saying

“This isn't a simulation; it's Judgment Day. I'm taking on an elite world champion in his prime. When I beat Joshua, all doubts will vanish, and no one can deny me the chance to fight for a world title. To my haters, this is your wish come true. To the UK, I apologize. On December 19th, under the Miami lights, live on Netflix, the torch gets passed, and Britain's Goliath will fall.”

— Jake Paul

“Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy.”

— Anthony Joshua

“Everyone laughed when Paul talked about fighting AJ in 2026. But plans change, and MVP and Netflix have made this one of the biggest fights ever. Paul is taking on one of the most fearsome boxers, and the only advantage he has is his delusional confidence. This is a clash of two icons: Paul, the face of boxing's new era, and Joshua, the UK boxing king.”

— Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions

“They say be careful what you wish for. Two of the biggest names in boxing will collide on December 19th. Jake's got balls, but he'll learn the hard way in Miami.”

— Eddie Hearn, Anthony Joshua's promoter

What’s next

The fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua is scheduled for December 19th, 2026 at the Kaseya Center in Miami. It will be a highly anticipated event, with both fighters looking to make a statement and prove their dominance in the heavyweight division.

The takeaway

This fight represents a significant challenge for Jake Paul, as he takes on one of the most formidable heavyweights in the world in Anthony Joshua. While Paul's confidence and willingness to take on such a tough opponent are admirable, he will need to overcome his limited professional experience to have a chance of pulling off the upset. The outcome of this fight could have major implications for both fighters' careers and the future of boxing.