Sport|BoxingJake Paul to fight Anthony Joshua in heavyweight bout on December 19The social media star will box former two-time unified world champion Joshua in an eight-round professional fight.

YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul will fight former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in a professional bout on December 19.

The heavyweight matchup, consisting of eight three-minute rounds, will take place at Kaseya Center in Miami and will be streamed live on Netflix.

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“This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgement Day,” Paul told Netflix. “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.”

Joshua is a two-time unified heavyweight world champion and Olympic gold medallist, but the 36-year-old has not fought since losing to Daniel Dubois in an IBF title fight in September 2024.

“Jake or anyone can get this work,” Joshua said. “No mercy. 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 … I’m about to break the internet over Jake Paul’s face.”

Anthony Joshua celebrates after winning his fight against Otto Wallin at the Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 24, 2023 [Ahmed Yosri/Reuters]

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.