Two-time world champion and modern great Anthony Joshua makes his first return to the ring after a year’s absence, but not in a fight anyone had expected.
The 36-year-old has travelled to Miami to meet YouTuber-turned-pro boxer Jake Paul in a controversial bout that has got the whole boxing world talking.
After a shock defeat to Daniel Dubios at Wembley in September 2024 and undergoing surgery, Joshua will use the fight as his first warm up ahead of a 2026 return where it is hoped he will finally face British rival Tyson Fury.
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For ‘The Problem Child’ Jake Paul this is his latest challenge in proving to the world his boxing credentials and belief he will one day become a world champion.
But for most, AJ is expected to win within the first few rounds, most will not accept anything less than an early, brutal knockout victory. But could Paul prove the doubters wrong?
Beyond the main event, the card is stacked with intrigue, with Australia’s Cherneka Johnson defending her undisputed title, former UFC legends set to square off, and multiple championships on the line across the night.
When is Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua?
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua takes place this Saturday, December 20 (AEDT)
What time are the Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua ringwalks and start times?
The preliminary card is expected to start at 8.45am (AEDT).
The main fight card, including four fights, is expected to begin at 12pm (AEDT).
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua main event ringwalks are expected to take place at 2.30pm
(AEDT).
Paul v Joshua main card
Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua – heavyweight (8x3min rounds)
Alycia Baumgardner v Lela Beaudoin – WBA, IBF & WBO super-featherweight world titles (12x3min rounds)
Anderson Silva v Tyron Woodley – 195lbs cruiserweight (6x3min rounds)
Jahmal Harvey v Kevin Cervantes – featherweight (6x3min rounds)
Paul v Joshua preliminary card
Cherneka Johnson v Amanda Galle – Undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO bantamweight title fight (10x2min rounds)
Caroline Dubois v Camila Panatta – WBC lightweight world title fight(10x2min rounds)
Yokasta Valle v Yadira Bustillos – WBC minimum-weight title fight (10x2min rounds)
Avious Griffin v Justin Cardona – welterweight (8x3min rounds)
Keno Marley v Diarra Davis Jr – cruiserweight (4x3min rounds)
How to watch Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua?
Jake Paul versus Anthony Joshua will be streamed worldwide on Netflix.
You can also follow Fox Sports Australia’s live blog of the event.
What are the rules for Paul vs. Joshua?
Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua’s bout will take place at heavyweight across eight three-minute rounds with both fighters using 10oz gloves for the duration of the contest.
It follows similar rules to Paul’s bout with Mike Tyson in November 2024, where the pair contested eight two-minute rounds, albeit with heavier 14oz gloves instead.
It marks the first time Joshua has contested less than ten rounds since his win over Raphael Zumbano Love in 2015, in what was his twelfth professional bout at the time.
Is Paul vs. Joshua a professional fight?
Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua’s bout is a professional bout, with the clash and its subsequent result set to count on their full fight records when the dust settles afterwards.
Paul currently holds a 12-1 record in the ring, but would not have extended his reputation with his clash against ‘Tank’, which was due to be held as an exhibition bout.
Joshua meanwhile is at 28-4, with his loss to Dubois coming after defeats to Andy Ruiz Jr. and Oleksandr Usyk – twice – across his career thus far.
Who is Aussie Cheneka Johnson fighting?
Cheneka Johnson is defending her bantamweight titles against undefeated Canadian Amanda Galle.
Galle currently holds the IBO World Bantamweight title and has defended her belt once.
Johnson told Fox Sports Australia this week that she’s planning on finishing her opponent before the final bell.
How much money will AJ and Paul make?
The fighters are set to split the purse evenly, with estimates putting total revenue between $270 million and $400 million.
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Odds
Bookmakers have Anthony Joshua as a heavy favourite to win at about $1.10, while Jake Paul sits around $7.25 and a draw is about $21.00.
Predictions
Nick Walshaw: Anthony Joshua TKO R4.
For all those wanting to witness Jake Paul’s public execution, I’ve got bad news. While I cannot see a way – or even parallel universe — in which Paul wins this one, I think Saturday’s Netflix headliner will play out largely like Floyd Mayweather’s easy win over Conor McGregor. AJ plays around for two, maybe three rounds and then, as he starts applying pressure, the referee will dive between them and wave it off. Both blokes make a bag and nobody dies.
James Cooney: Anthony Joshua by KO R2.
Anthony Joshua needs a statement, not a slog. I’m backing him to close the show inside two rounds. The longer this drags on, the worse it looks for him. And if AJ lands a right hand anything like the one he dropped on Wladimir Klitschko, Paul will be in all sorts.
This article first appeared on DAZN.com and was reproduced with permission.
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