Jake Paul Prepares for Heavyweight Bout Against Anthony Joshua on Dec. 19
MIAMI, Florida — December 3, 2025 — Jake Paul is set to face former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in a sanctioned professional heavyweight boxing match scheduled for December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami. The bout will consist of eight rounds, each lasting three minutes, with fighters wearing 10-ounce gloves, officials said.
Paul, who has faced criticism for the caliber of his previous opponents, views this fight as a significant test. His past opponents have included Mike Tyson, Andre August, Ryan Bourland, Nate Diaz, and Anderson Silva, with critics questioning their relevance or boxing credentials. Joshua, a two-time heavyweight champion, represents a different level of competition, though he is no longer in his prime, having last held a title in August 2022 and recently losing an IBF title bout to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
Standing five inches taller than Paul, Joshua brings a record of 28 wins and 4 losses, while Paul holds a record of 12 wins and 1 loss, including one previous heavyweight fight against Tyson last year. Despite being considered a heavy underdog, Paul expressed confidence in a recent interview, stating that he has his critics “where I want them to be” and that he believes “God is on my side.”
Paul said he expects the outcome of the fight to silence doubters and elevate his status in the sport. “When I knock out Anthony Joshua and win, I’m the face and king of boxing, and people undeniably won’t be able to say anything. It’s silence across the board,” he said. “I know God is on my side and I have faith in that. He’s always guided me in everything that I’ve done in my boxing career and in my life. And so I can walk into that ring with extreme confidence, knowing that this is the right moment for me.”
The fight marks a shift from what was initially expected to be an exhibition match against Gervonta “Tank” Davis, who is roughly 40 pounds lighter than Paul. Instead, the event has been elevated to a professional heavyweight contest, drawing significant attention in the boxing community.
The December 19 bout will be closely watched as Paul seeks to prove himself against a former world champion and address longstanding criticism about the quality of his opponents.
Leave a Reply