Two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has arguably put himself in a no-win situation by accepting a fight against YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul in a crossover bout before Christmas.
Paul faces the greatest challenge of his boxing career against the former unified heavyweight champion of the world in a blockbuster showdown in Miami on 19 December - shown exclusively on Netflix.
The self-proclaimed "Problem Child" holds a fairly impressive but somehow largely disregarded 12-0-1 record given he is still to face anyone of a notably high level.
He was due to take on Gervonta Davis, the former WBA lightweight title holder, but a fight with the 'Tank' was cancelled by Most Value Promotions and Netflix due to some fairly serious legal issues involving Davis.
Instead, one of the biggest names in boxing in the modern era, 'AJ' Anthony Joshua is stepping in to fight for the first time since losing to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024.
Many have doubted why Joshua would take the fight, while others are pointing to the "50 million" reasons it makes sense for him.
Despite all the questions over how serious the fight will be, the format and weight class, it is guaranteed to get people and the internet talking.
Speaking of the internet, Joshua has claimed he will break it "over Jake Paul's face" while Paul insisted: "This isn't an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day."
Can he shock the world and take his career to the next level? Back him below at the best price direct with AllSportsPeople.
When is Jake Paul vs. AJ? Date and schedule
The Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua fight has been confirmed as a professional bout on Friday 19 December at the Kaseya Center in Miami (8 x 3-minute rounds).
It is the main event of a six fight card in Miami with the event set to start at 1am UK time. Paul and Joshua are projected to get underway at 5am UK time.
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Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Undercard
The complete undercard for Joshua vs Paul on December 19 according to Netflix is as follows:
- Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua: Heavyweight
- Anderson Silva vs. Tyron Woodley: Cruiserweight
- Alycia Baumgardner vs. Leila Beaudoin: Unified Super Featherweight World Champion
- Cherneka Johnson vs. Amanda Galle: Undisputed Bantamweight World Champion
- Yokasta Valle vs. Yadira Bustillos: WBC Strawweight World Champion
- Avious Griffin vs. Justin Cardona: Welterweight
- Keno Marley vs. Diarra Davis Jr.: Cruiserweight
What are the odds for Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua?
Here are the latest bookmaker odds ahead of the fight.
Winner | Odds | Bet with |
Jake Paul | 8/1 | |
Anthony Joshua | 1/9 |
Who is the favourite to win, Paul or Joshua?
The heavy favourite for the fight is Anthony Joshua at a best price of 1/9 (1/12 or 1/14 with most bookmakers including Paddy Power), giving him an implied chance of between 90 and 94%.
Some have credited Jake Paul for his boxing career but none of his wins - including his most recent against 58-year-old Mike Tyson and former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - will be preparation for Joshua.
The fight that resembles the most serious of a boxing contest came when Paul lost to journeyman fighter Tommy Fury, brother of Tyson, in an eight-round cruiserweight bout back in February 2023.
Given Joshua’s record stands at 28-4 (25 KO wins), and the Briton has beaten the likes of Wladimir Klitschko, Dillian Whyte and Joseph Parker, this should be a straightforward bout.
Regardless of the parameters of the fight and the setup, it is probably quite reasonable to suggest Joshua will seriously hurt Paul should it be close to being a ‘proper’ fight and so AJ is the clear and obvious favourite.
How to watch Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua: TV channel and live stream
The fight and full card will be shown globally on Netflix (all payment plans), ensuring another huge audience for Paul and further exposure, as well as yet another enormous pay day for Joshua and - perhaps most importantly in this instance - his promoter Eddie Hearn.
How much is AJ getting to fight Jake Paul?
Many have doubted Anthony Joshua's motive for fighting Jake Paul but the financial benefits are clear. Reports suggest that the pair will share a £100m purse in a 50/50 split. A £50 million payout would be £10 million short of AJ's career-high payday against Andy Ruiz Jr.
Joshua Weight Limit for Paul Fight
Anthony Joshua has a weight limit of 245 pounds for the fight. He traditionally weights somewhere between 240 and 245 so making the weight shouldn't be a problem. Paul, by contrast, will come in much lighter. A natural cruiserweight (200lbs), he has previously dipped as low as 185lbs.