In a clash that has captivated the sporting world, former unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is set to face the controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a professional contest this Friday. The unprecedented matchup will be broadcast globally on Netflix, marking a significant shift in how major boxing events are distributed.
The Stakes and The Rules of Engagement
The bout is scheduled to take place on Friday, 19 December 2025, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. It has been sanctioned as a professional heavyweight fight, consisting of eight three-minute rounds. Organisers have imposed a weight cap of 245 pounds for Anthony Joshua, a stipulation likely designed to ensure a more competitive physical matchup. Both fighters will use standard 10-ounce gloves.
The pre-fight rhetoric has been dominated by talk of decisive endings. Both athletes have publicly declared their intention to secure a knockout victory. Jake Paul aims to legitimise his boxing career by defeating an elite-level former champion, while Joshua has vowed to show "no mercy" against the social media star.
Contrasting Records and Recent Form
The fighters enter the ring with vastly different backgrounds but comparable recent momentum. Anthony Joshua boasts a professional record of 28 wins and 4 losses, with an impressive 25 of those victories coming by way of knockout. The British star last fought in September 2024, seeking to rebuild his career after previous title losses.
His opponent, Jake Paul, holds a record of 12 wins and 1 loss, with 7 knockouts. He arrives with significant momentum following a high-profile win over the legendary but aged former champion, Mike Tyson, in November 2024. This victory, albeit controversial to many purists, has given Paul considerable confidence heading into this far more dangerous assignment.
A New Era for Boxing Broadcasts
Perhaps the most groundbreaking aspect of this event is its platform. The fight will be streamed live worldwide on Netflix, representing a major move by the streaming giant into live top-tier sports. This deal provides Joshua with a new, vast platform for his return and offers Paul access to his core demographic and beyond.
The matchup itself is viewed as one of the most unexpected in modern boxing history, blending the traditional world of championship-level boxing with the new-age influencer fighting scene. It raises questions about the sport's direction, the meaning of credibility, and how audiences consume major events. Regardless of the purists' view, the world will be watching on Friday night to see if the former champion can silence the disruptor, or if Jake Paul can pull off what would be the most shocking win of his career.
