The gloves are officially on for Jake Paul’s massive step up against former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, the equipment isn’t just padding; it’s a crucial safety and power stipulation. The choice of 10-ounce gloves, standard for professional heavyweight and super welterweight divisions and above, confirms that this highly anticipated bout is not an exhibition.
Here's what to know about the fighters wearing 10-ounce gloves on Friday night.
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Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua boxing gloves, explained: Why the fighters opted for 10-ounce gloves
The reason Paul and Joshua will be wearing 10-ounce gloves is because it is the standard regulation size for a sanctioned professional heavyweight fight.
The fight is being contested at the Heavyweight division (with a contractual weigh-in limit of 245 lbs for Joshua), and in most sanctioning bodies, any bout in the Super Welterweight division (154 lbs) and above -- including Cruiserweight and Heavyweight -- mandates the use of 10oz gloves.
The 10-ounce glove weight also distinguishes this fight from some of Paul's previous crossover matches. For example, his exhibition against Mike Tyson used significantly heavier 14-ounce gloves and shorter, two-minute rounds, stipulations often used to increase fighter safety and reduce the likelihood of a knockout. By switching to the lighter, regulation 10oz gloves for the Anthony Joshua bout, the padding is reduced, allowing for greater transfer of power.
Friday's bout counts as a professional fight on both Paul and Joshua's records.
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Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua fight rules
- Eight rounds
- Three minutes per round
- 10-ounce gloves
- Knockouts allowed
Paul vs. Joshua will be contested over eight three-minute rounds.
Joshua also had a contractual weigh-in limit of 245 pounds and weighed n at 243.5 pounds.
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How does scoring work for Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua?
The scoring for the Paul vs. Joshua bout, should it go the distance without a knockout or technical stoppage, will be determined with the standard 10-point system of professional boxing.
The three judges score each round, with the winner getting 10 points and the loser getting nine. Crucially, if a fighter is knocked down during a round, the opponent typically receives an advantage score of 10-8. Finally, points may be deducted by the referee from a fighter's score in any round if they commit repeated or serious fouls.
At the conclusion of the fight, the judges' scorecards are read, which determines whether it is a unanimous decision, split decision or draw.
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