In a thrilling announcement for boxing fans, Anthony Joshua is set to square off against Jake Paul in a highly anticipated heavyweight match scheduled for next month in Miami. The fight is slated for December 19 at the Kaseya Center, as confirmed by sources.

The battle promises an impressive £140 million prize, which will be evenly split between the two-time heavyweight world champion, Joshua, and the 28-year-old YouTube sensation turned boxer, Paul. This eight-round showdown will be available for streaming on Netflix, offering fans a thrilling spectacle just days before Christmas.

This bout marks Joshua’s return to the ring following a 14-month hiatus after his defeat at the hands of Daniel Dubois. Reflecting on his comeback, the 36-year-old expressed his excitement, stating, “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. Mark my words, you’ll see a lot more fighters take these opportunities in the future. I’m about to break the internet over Jake Paul’s face.”

Not to be outdone, Jake Paul, who boasts a commendable record of 12 wins and just one loss since entering the boxing arena, has dubbed the fight ‘Judgment Day.’ Brimming with confidence, he claims that ‘Britain’s Goliath’ will be ‘put to sleep.’ Emphasizing the seriousness of the bout, Paul remarked, “This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day.”

Meanwhile Paul, who has a record of 12 wins and one loss since moving into boxing, declared the fight as ‘Judgment Day’ as he vowed that ‘Britain’s Goliath’ will be ‘put to sleep’. 

Anthony Joshua’s headline grabbing heavyweight fight with Jake Paul has been confirmed

Eddie Hearn claimed Joshua was seeking a tune-up fight but the lucrative offer on the table for a fight with Paul convinced him to prioritise those negotiations

The fight with Paul (pictured with brother Logan) will be a full professional contest and will air on Netflix, with DAZN heavily compensated to allow Joshua to compete on a rival platform

‘This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day,’ he said.

‘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. To the people of the United Kingdom, I am sorry. On Friday, December 19, under the lights in Miami, live globally only on Netflix, the torch gets passed and Britain’s Goliath gets put to sleep.’

Paul beat 58-year-old Mike Tyson on points last November and most recently defeated former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr by unanimous decision in June. His only loss came at the hands of Tommy Fury in March 2024.

The Youtuber-turned-boxer had originally been scheduled to take on Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis at the same venue on November 14, but the event was cancelled following Davis’ arrest.

The world lightweight champion was accused of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The allegations resulted in the cancellation of the planned 195lb exhibition, prompting Paul to seek a new opponent for a rearranged December date.

After his fight against Joshua was confirmed, promoter Eddie Hearn said: ‘They say be careful what you wish for, kind of feel like that’s all I need to say.

‘Two of the biggest names in the sport will collide on December 19. Whilst I admire Jake’s b*****, he’s going to find out the hard way in Miami.’

Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, added: ‘Everyone laughed when Jake Paul said in March that he wanted to fight AJ in 2026.

‘Well, plans changed, and in under two weeks, MVP and Netflix have made one of the biggest fights of all-time. Now, as only Jake Paul could and would do, he’s fighting one of the most fearsome boxers in the world.

‘Joshua has every advantage in this fight, except one – the delusional confidence of Jake Paul, and if anyone can shock the world, it’s him. This is a global clash between two of the most recognisable figures in the sport: Jake, the face of boxing’s new era, and Joshua, the King of UK boxing.’

Hearn had previously indicated that Joshua was seeking a tune-up fight after his defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley. He said AJ had been lining up a top-100 opponent, but the lucrative offer on the table for a fight with Paul swayed him.

The promoter also outlined a longer-term plan for Joshua to have one or two more bouts before a potential showdown with Tyson Fury in 2026 – an event Turki Alalshikh has publicly expressed interest in delivering.

Joshua has already agreed to terms for the fight, though it remains unclear whether Fury, currently claiming to be retired, has done the same.

Alalshikh hinted that progress was being made when he appeared on DAZN’s broadcast of the Chris Eubank Jr vs. Conor Benn rematch.

Hearn confirmed that Joshua’s clash with Paul will be a full professional contest fought at heavyweight under Queensberry rules, not an exhibition.

It has also been confirmed that the bout will air on Netflix despite Joshua’s long-standing exclusive deal with DAZN.

According to reports, DAZN was compensated heavily to allow Joshua to compete on a rival platform.

A press conference for the fight between Paul and AJ is due to take place in Miami on Friday afternoon.