Joshua, the former heavyweight champion, will face Jake Paul in Miami in December
Most Valuable Promotions said Monday that YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul will square off against former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in an eight-round professional heavyweight fight at Miami’s Kaseya Center on December 19.
Paul, 28, will take on 36-year-old Joshua, a two-time WBO, WBA, and IBF champion, who is undoubtedly the most accomplished opponent of his career.
Following his victory over Mike Tyson last year, Paul will make his second live appearance on Netflix, which will stream the event worldwide.
“This simulation isn’t created by AI. Judgment Day is today. Promising to put “Britain’s Goliath” to rest, Paul said in a release, “A professional heavyweight fight against an elite world champion in his prime.”
“Every doubt vanishes after I defeat Anthony Joshua, and nobody can stop me from competing for a world championship. This is what you wanted, everyone of my haters. I apologize to the citizens of the United Kingdom.
Joshua, a two-time unified world champion and 2012 Olympic gold medallist, has a 28-4 record with 25 knockouts.
But in September of last year, he lost to Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title, which was his final professional fight. He also lost twice to Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua declared that there would be “no mercy” when he faced Paul in the ring.
“I’m returning with a huge show after taking a break. For me, it’s a huge opportunity,” he remarked.
“Whether you like it or not, I’m here to smash all records, do huge numbers, and get into big battles while remaining cool, collected, and cool.
“Believe me when I say that many more fighters will seize these chances in the future. I’m going to ruin Jake Paul’s face on the internet.”