Social media sensation turned boxer Jake Paul is sporting a fresh shiner, courtesy of a sparring session with British heavyweight contender Lawrence Okolie, as he gears up for his unprecedented professional clash with Anthony Joshua.
The Sparring Session That Left a Mark
In a stark reminder of the physical challenge ahead, Jake Paul displayed a prominent black eye sustained during his training camp. The American revealed the injury occurred while sparring with former WBC and WBO cruiserweight world champion Lawrence Okolie, who is preparing for his own move up to the heavyweight division.
"I'm sparring a bunch of world champion heavyweights. I think Lawrence Okolie did that to me," Paul stated during an appearance on Adin Ross's Kick stream. He highlighted Okolie's formidable size, noting the Hackney-born fighter stands at six foot six and weighs around 270lbs.
Details of the Bizarre Yet Major Fight
The much-discussed bout is set for Friday 19 December 2025 at the Kaseya Center in Miami. Contrary to speculation, this will not be an exhibition match but a fully professional contest. The result will be recorded on both men's official records, and a knockout is a very real possibility.
This matchup is one of the most unexpected in recent boxing history. Joshua, 36, is a former two-time unified world heavyweight champion with a record of 28-4, including 25 knockout wins. His career features victories over legends like Wladimir Klitschko and a host of top contenders.
Paul, 28, has built a 12-1 (7 KOs) record by defeating mixed martial arts stars and, most notably, a 58-year-old Mike Tyson. However, facing Joshua represents a mammoth step up in competition, size, and pedigree.
Weight, Rules, and High Stakes
Paul disclosed that he currently weighs 215lbs and is aiming to bulk up to 220lbs for the fight. Joshua will be capped at 245lbs, giving him a significant size advantage. The fight is scheduled for eight three-minute rounds, shorter than standard world championship distance, with both men wearing standard 10oz gloves.
Joshua enters the ring following a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024, a defeat that marked the fourth of his career. For Paul, the stakes could not be higher. Former world champion David Haye has ominously suggested the fight "could be his last day on earth," underscoring the danger posed by a motivated and powerful Joshua.
Okolie, who inflicted Paul's black eye, is himself on a three-fight win streak, last defeating Kevin Lerena on the undercard of the Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois fight at Wembley. His involvement in Paul's camp provides a taste of the British heavyweight power awaiting the American.
"It's definitely a pretty wild fight," Paul conceded, summarising the surreal nature of an event that continues to divide the boxing world.
