Anthony Joshua v Jake Paul fight scheduled for 19 December

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will fight YouTube star Jake Paul in a professional bout on December 19.

British Joshua, a 36-year-old former two-time unified heavyweight champion, will face the YouTuber-turned-boxer at the Kaseya Center in Miami.

The fight, which will be broadcast live on Netflix, will consist of eight three-minute rounds.

The bout will be a replacement fight for Paul, who was scheduled to face Gervonta Davis in an exhibition earlier this month but was canceled due to a lawsuit his ex-girlfriend filed against Davis.

“This is not an artificial intelligence simulation. Today is Judgment Day,” said Paul, 28.

“When I beat Anthony Joshua, all doubts disappear and no one can deny me the opportunity to fight for the world title. I tell my enemies, this is what you want.”

Speculation that Joshua would fight Paul was initially ruled out, but he will return to the ring against the American for the first time after being knocked out by then-IBF champion Daniel Dubois in September 2024.

“I took a little break and I’m coming back with a mega show. This is a big opportunity for me,” the 2012 Olympic gold medalist said.

“Whether you like it or not, I’m here to hit big numbers, have big fights, and break every record while remaining cool, calm, and cool.

“Mark my words, you’ll see many more fighters seizing these opportunities in the future. I’m about to break the internet over Jake Paul’s face.”