MIAMI — Jake Paul is reportedly finalizing a blockbuster heavyweight bout with former unified world champion Anthony Joshua, marking the most audacious leap yet in the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s unconventional career. The fight is expected to take place in December 2025 in Miami and could be streamed globally on Netflix, though official confirmation is still pending.
The matchup comes on the heels of Paul’s canceled exhibition with lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis, which was scrapped after Davis became entangled in a civil lawsuit. With Davis out, Paul’s team reopened talks with Joshua — discussions that had previously stalled due to disagreements over weight and fight format.
Joshua, 36, last fought in September 2024, suffering a knockout loss to fellow Brit Daniel Dubois. Despite the setback, he remains a top-10 heavyweight with a 28-4 record and 25 knockouts. Earlier this year, he demolished former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in under two rounds — a stark reminder of the danger he still poses, especially to less experienced opponents.
Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) last appeared in the ring in June, earning a lackluster decision win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., a former middleweight who fought Paul at cruiserweight. While Paul has shown flashes of legitimate boxing skill, he has yet to face anyone with Joshua’s size, power, or pedigree.
Physically, Paul has dabbled in the heavyweight range before. He weighed over 227 pounds for his November 2024 exhibition with Mike Tyson — a widely criticized event that many dismissed as a publicity stunt. Still, it demonstrated Paul’s willingness to operate at heavyweight, at least in spectacle-driven settings.
Details of the Joshua fight remain unclear, including whether it will be a fully sanctioned professional bout or an exhibition with modified rules. Paul’s previous fights have often included shorter rounds, catchweights, or relaxed scoring — factors that could influence how seriously the boxing world views this matchup.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has acknowledged the talks but noted that Joshua already has a major fight scheduled for February 2026. That timeline could complicate training and recovery, though the commercial appeal of a Netflix-streamed global event may fast-track negotiations.
The financial stakes are enormous. Industry insiders estimate the bout could generate over $50 million in global revenue, driven by streaming rights, sponsorships, and crossover appeal. For Paul, it’s a chance to legitimize his boxing ambitions. For Joshua, it’s a high-reward, low-risk payday — assuming he avoids the embarrassment of losing to a novice.
Reactions have been mixed. Some fans and fighters have called the matchup a “circus,” while others see it as a bold experiment in modern sports entertainment. “If Jake pulls this off, it changes everything,” one boxing analyst noted. “But if he gets flattened in two rounds, it could end the whole act.”
As the boxing world awaits official confirmation, one thing is clear: if Jake Paul truly steps into the ring with Anthony Joshua, it will be a spectacle unlike anything the sport has seen — a collision of celebrity, commerce, and combat that could redefine what a boxing event looks like in the streaming era.
