Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua Is Actually Real; Netflix Confirms Shock Heavyweight Showdown

Last Updated:November 17, 2025, 19:26 IST

Jake Paul faces Anthony Joshua in a real heavyweight bout on 19 December in Miami, streamed live on Netflix, marking a shocking leap as Paul challenges the two-time world champion.

The bout between Paul and Joshua is set to be a professional fight, and not a mere exhibition (X)

What started out sounding like internet fantasy is very much happening: Jake Paul is fighting Anthony Joshua in a professional heavyweight bout streamed live on Netflix.

After days of disbelief online, Netflix shut down the speculation with a blunt confirmation: “It’s real."

The fight goes down on 19 December in Miami, 8 pm ET (1 am UK time), marking one of the most surreal matchmaking decisions boxing has ever seen.

And in case anyone assumed this would be another soft exhibition, promoter Eddie Hearn made it crystal clear:

“No, not an exhibition. We’re not interested in exhibitions. It’s a real fight. Queensberry rules, 10-ounce gloves. The rounds would be agreed."

Paul’s Biggest Leap (by a Mile)

Paul has fought a mix of former MMA stars and legends well past their prime — think Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, and most recently Mike Tyson, who was 58 when Paul took a controversial decision over eight two-minute rounds.

But this? Anthony Joshua, a two-time heavyweight world champion with 25 knockouts in 28 pro wins, is a completely different beast.

AJ hasn’t fought since September 2024, when he was stopped by Daniel Dubois at Wembley after four knockdowns — the fourth loss of his career and second by stoppage.

Meanwhile, Paul’s pro record stands at 12-1 (7 KOs). Respectable for a crossover fighter, but nowhere near Joshua’s resume or physical pedigree. And yes, this time Paul is fighting someone in their 30s, not their 50s.

Jake Paul Isn’t Backing Down

Naturally, Paul is leaning into the chaos:

“This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day. A professional heavyweight fight against an elite world champion in his prime."

“When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears… To the people of the United Kingdom, I am sorry. On Friday, December 19, the torch gets passed and Britain’s Goliath gets put to sleep."

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

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