Holy smokes. It’s actually happening.
YouTuber-turned professional boxer Jake Paul is taking the biggest gamble of his career, as he’s reportedly set to fight former two-time Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua next month on Fri., Dec. 19, inside Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, according to The Ring insider Mike Coppinger, who added it is a “done deal.“ The surprising matchup will stream live on Netflix and will be a full professional bout, not an exhibition like Paul’s now-canceled matchup with
Gervonta Davis.
For all the criticism Paul (12-1) gets, even his harshest detractors will have to admit he has balls, as this is a massive leap in competition — and he’s taking it on just five weeks’ notice. Paul enters the fight on a six-fight winning streak since losing to Tommy Fury in 2023.
Earlier this year, he earned a unanimous decision win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Before that, he defeated boxing legend Mike Tyson in a fight that became one of Netflix’s most-watched live sports broadcasts.
Joshua (28-4) hasn’t competed since suffering a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last September (watch highlights), but his resume speaks for itself. The British superstar is a former unified Heavyweight champion, having held the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO titles during his reign. Prior to the Dubois loss, Joshua delivered a brutal, highlight-reel knockout of former UFC champion Francis Ngannou (watch highlights), reminding the world why he remains one of the most dangerous punchers in the division.
No matter the outcome, Paul vs. Joshua is one of the most unexpected boxing events of the year — and now, it’s headed straight to Netflix.
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