Jake Paul is stepping into what many are calling the biggest challenge of his boxing career as he prepares to face former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on December 19, 2025 in Miami, Florida.
The heavyweight showdown — streamed live on Netflix — will see Paul, a YouTuber-turned-boxer, go up against one of the most accomplished fighters in modern boxing.
A Clash of Styles and Experience
Paul (12-1) has built his professional boxing resume by defeating a mix of MMA stars and mainstream fighters, but he has never faced an opponent with Joshua’s pedigree.
Joshua, 36, is a former Olympic gold medalist and has 28 career wins with 25 knockouts — a record that dwarfs Paul’s experience in the ring.
Standing at 6-foot-6 with a massive reach and power advantage, Joshua also holds a significant size edge at the official weigh-in, tipping the scales nearly 27 pounds heavier than Paul.
That physical disparity adds another layer of difficulty for Paul, who has mostly competed at cruiserweight before moving up.
Underdog Status and Global Spotlight
Oddsmakers have made Paul a clear underdog, reflecting both the skill gap and the fact that Joshua is expected to dominate the bout.
Despite this, Paul has expressed confidence in his preparation, training with heavyweight contenders and emphasizing his speed and resilience.
Veteran fighters and commentators alike have weighed in on the matchup’s risks.
Some experts, including former UFC champion Michael Bisping, have called the fight “dangerous” for Paul given Joshua’s experience and punching power.
High Stakes and Legacy
For Paul, this isn’t just another celebrity boxing event — it’s an opportunity to silence critics and prove he can compete with true elite talent.
For Joshua, a win over Paul serves as a way to reestablish himself after recent setbacks in his professional career and to reinforce his status as a heavyweight force.
With eight three-minute rounds scheduled under professional rules and a global streaming audience watching, the matchup promises to be one of the most talked-about combat sports events of the year.
