Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Netflix announced Monday that “The Problem Child” Jake Paul will face Anthony Joshua on Dec. 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
Paul was originally expected to face Gervonta “Tank” Davis in an exhibition bout on Nov. 14, but the fight promotion and streaming platform canceled the match after a lawsuit was filed against Davis alleging domestic violence.
“This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day,” said Jake Paul. “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,” Paul said in a press release.
“Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy,” said Joshua. “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.”
The bout will be a sanctioned, professional heavyweight bout contested over 8, three-minute rounds with 10 ounce gloves.
Joshua, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist and two-time unified world champion most recently delivered a devastating knockout of Francis Ngannou before facing IBF titleholder Daniel Dubois in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. He was knocked out by Dubois.
“Everyone laughed when Jake Paul said in March that he wanted to fight AJ in 2026,” said Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions. “Well, plans changed, and in under two weeks, MVP and Netflix have made one of the biggest fights of all time. Now, as only Jake Paul could and would do, he’s fighting one of the most fearsome boxers in the world. Joshua has every advantage in this fight, except one – the delusional confidence of Jake Paul, and if anyone can shock the world, it’s him. This is a global clash between two of the most recognizable figures in the sport, Jake, the face of boxing’s new era, and Joshua, the King of UK boxing.”
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“Anthony Joshua is one of the most formidable and decorated heavyweights in the world – the ultimate test for any fighter,” said Gabe Spitzer, Vice President, Sports, Netflix. “We have immense respect for Jake Paul’s decision to take this challenge; it demonstrates the fearless ambition he has for his career. This is exactly why Netflix is in the live business: we love taking big swings and delivering the biggest, must-watch cultural spectacles.”
“They say be careful what you wish for, kind of feel like that’s all I need to say,” said Eddie Hearn, Chairman Matchroom. “Two of the biggest names in the sport will collide on Dec 19. Whilst I admire Jake’s balls, he’s going to find out the hard way in Miami.”
