Anthony Joshua has successfully met the weight requirement for his upcoming bout against Jake Paul well ahead of schedule. The former two-time heavyweight champion had been out of action since a tough loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, after which he took time off to recover from minor injuries.
After undergoing elbow surgery, Joshua wasted no time returning to training. He is anticipated to have a relatively easy match against the boxing newcomer before a significant year in the ring in 2026. The much-anticipated professional heavyweight showdown between Joshua and Paul is scheduled for December 19 in Miami.
The bout will consist of eight three-minute rounds, with both fighters donning 10oz gloves. While Paul transitions back to the heavyweight division following a single fight against Mike Tyson in November 2024, Joshua faced the challenge of meeting a weight restriction of not exceeding 245lb for the clash.
The clash between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul is set to take place in Miami on December 19, with the fight broadcast live on Netflix. Fans can access the fight for free with Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle, the lowest price offered by the provider for Sky TV.
Despite the revelation that Joshua needed to shed 20lb, he surprised many by revealing his current weight of 111kg (244.7Ib) over two weeks before the fight. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed Joshua’s readiness and top-notch condition for the upcoming match.
Hearn expressed confidence in Joshua’s preparation, emphasizing his dedication and seriousness in training for the fight. A victory this month would undoubtedly boost Joshua’s confidence as he eyes a potentially significant year in the ring, including a possible summer showdown with Tyson Fury.
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh hinted at future plans for Joshua, including events in London and a major fight in September. The fight event is expected to be a spectacular affair for boxing fans in England, building on the anticipation surrounding Joshua’s upcoming matches.
The anticipated clash between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul in Miami on December 19, just before Christmas, is expected to draw significant attention. The fight is scheduled to take place around 11 pm local time, corresponding to 4 am in the UK, with the event airing live on Netflix. Fight times are subject to change based on the undercard duration and are typically tailored to suit the American audience.