Jake Paul will face former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in Miami on December 19 after his planned fight with Gervonta Davis fell apart.
The matchup comes as Tommy Fury turned down a reported $15 million offer due to ongoing travel problems.The fight will stream globally on Netflix.
Paul, 27, confirmed the heavyweight contest after organisers cancelled his Davis fight when a civil lawsuit was filed against the lightweight champion. Writing on X, Paul also revealed that the fight was first offered to Fury, but the Manchester boxer declined, saying he still cannot travel to the United States.
Fury later posted that he was unable to enter the U.S. because of what is believed to be an administrative restriction linked to the sanctions list and the wider Kinahan fallout.
The Joshua–Paul meeting is scheduled for eight three-minute rounds with 8oz gloves. Joshua must not weigh more than 245lbs under the agreed terms. The event will be free for all Netflix subscribers.
Paul wrote on X: “From Deji to Joshua. Sup.”He used the post to highlight how he has moved from fighting influencers to facing a former world champion considered back in top form after knocking out Francis Ngannou.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky News:“They say be careful what you wish for — and that’s really all I need to say.Two of the biggest names in the sport will collide on 19 December.While I admire Jake’s balls, he’s going to find out the hard way in Miami.”
The December clash marks one of Netflix’s high-profile moves into live sports, signalling its continued push into combat events.