Anthony Joshua will face YouTube star–turned-boxer Jake Paul in a massive $184m professional fight in Miami next month, Matchroom Boxing confirmed on Monday.
The bout, scheduled for eight three-minute rounds at the Kaseya Center, will reportedly see both fighters split the purse evenly.
The matchup replaces Paul’s cancelled exhibition fight against Gervonta Davis earlier this month.
Paul, 28, enters the contest after his sensational win over Mike Tyson in November 2024—a fight watched by more than 60 million viewers on Netflix.
Joshua, 36, has been inactive since suffering a stoppage defeat to Daniel Dubois in their IBF world title fight at Wembley in September 2024. His decision to fight Paul has sparked criticism, with many questioning why a former two-time unified champion would risk his reputation against an opponent with limited boxing credentials.
However, the financial rewards explain the gamble, as Paul brings a massive global following and commercial appeal.
Paul holds a 12–1 record built largely against ageing stars and inexperienced opponents, with his only defeat coming against Tommy Fury.
Despite the controversial matchup, Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh says Joshua’s long-term plans remain intact. Speaking on DAZN before the Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr. fight on November 15, Alalshikh revealed major events planned for 2026, including two huge shows in London and a February fight for Joshua in Saudi Arabia.
He hinted that a historic mega-fight—possibly Joshua vs Tyson Fury—could happen next September.
Promoter Eddie Hearn also expressed confidence, saying Joshua is determined to regain the heavyweight title and finally face Fury.
But there’s a twist: if Joshua loses to Jake Paul, the long-awaited Fury superfight could collapse, making the December showdown in Miami one of the highest-stakes bouts of his career.
