Jake Paul
2025

Why This Fight Changes Everything

Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua represents the most significant crossover moment in modern boxing. Paul, who began his career as a YouTube personality before transitioning to professional fighting in 2020, has systematically worked his way up the boxing ranks by defeating UFC veterans like Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva, basketball player Nate Robinson, and most recently, boxing legend Mike Tyson in a globally streamed Netflix event that drew 108 million viewers.

Now he faces Anthony Joshua, an entirely different caliber of opponent. The 36-year-old British heavyweight is boxing royalty—an Olympic gold medalist from London 2012 who captured his first world title in 2016 and went on to unify the WBO, WBA, and IBF heavyweight championships. His 2017 victory over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium in front of 90,000 fans remains one of boxing's defining moments of the past decade. With 25 knockouts including devastating stoppages of Alexander Povetkin, Kubrat Pulev, and most recently Francis Ngannou, Joshua's power is legendary.

The stakes couldn't be higher for Paul. A victory would instantly legitimize his boxing career and position him for genuine title contention, silencing critics who've questioned whether his previous opponents represented true tests. For Joshua, this fight offers a massive payday and global visibility on Netflix's streaming platform, though it also carries risks to his legacy if the unthinkable happens.

From YouTube to Boxing's Biggest Stage

Jake Paul's journey from social media influencer to professional boxer has been nothing short of remarkable. Born January 17, 1997, in Cleveland, Ohio, Paul first gained fame on Vine before transitioning to YouTube, where he amassed millions of followers through pranks, vlogs, and controversies. His Disney Channel role on Bizaardvark brought mainstream recognition, but boxing would become his true calling.

Paul made his professional debut in January 2020, defeating fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib by first-round TKO. He followed with a knockout of former NBA player Nate Robinson on the Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. undercard, a viral moment that announced Paul's arrival to casual sports fans. His 2021 victories over former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley (twice, once by knockout) demonstrated legitimate boxing skills against trained fighters.

The progression continued with wins over Anderson Silva, one of MMA's greatest fighters, and Nate Diaz, another UFC star. His 2024 victory over Mike Tyson, while criticized due to the 31-year age difference, set streaming viewership records and proved Paul's ability to generate massive global interest. His only professional loss came against Tommy Fury, brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, in a close split decision that many felt could have gone either way.

Beyond fighting, Paul co-founded Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) with business adviser Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. The promotion has signed elite fighters including seven-division world champion Amanda Serrano and co-promoted the historic Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano fights that became Sports Illustrated's Fight of the Year. MVP's success has established Paul as a legitimate power player in boxing's business side, giving him control over his career trajectory.

Anthony Joshua: Olympic Champion to Heavyweight King

Anthony Joshua represents everything traditional boxing excellence entails. Born October 15, 1989, in Watford, England, Joshua didn't begin boxing until his late teens but progressed rapidly through amateur ranks, culminating in Olympic gold at the 2012 London Games where he was the British team's flagbearer.

Joshua's professional debut came in October 2013, and he wasted no time climbing the heavyweight ladder. By 2016, he captured the IBF heavyweight title with a second-round knockout of Charles Martin. His defining moment arrived in 2017 when he faced Wladimir Klitschko, the long-reigning champion attempting a comeback. The fight at Wembley Stadium saw Joshua survive an early knockdown to stop Klitschko in the 11th round, unifying the WBA and IBF titles in one of the decade's great heavyweight battles.

Joshua added the WBO title later in 2017 and successfully defended his unified championship multiple times before losing to Andy Ruiz Jr. in a 2019 upset. He immediately avenged that loss six months later, reclaiming his titles in a masterful boxing performance. Though he lost his championships to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and failed to regain them in the rematch, Joshua remained one of boxing's biggest draws.

His September 2024 knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley was a setback, but Joshua's return against Jake Paul offers both financial opportunity and a chance to rebuild momentum. At 36, he remains dangerous—his 25 knockout victories include brutal stoppages that ended careers. His power, experience, and technical skills make him a massive favorite, with early betting odds reflecting the challenge Paul faces.

The Netflix Revolution Continues

Jake Paul's partnership with Netflix has revolutionized boxing distribution. His November 2024 fight against Mike Tyson became the most-watched boxing event in modern history, with 108 million global viewers tuning in simultaneously at peak viewership. The event demonstrated Netflix's ability to reach audiences traditional pay-per-view never could, making boxing accessible to hundreds of millions of subscribers worldwide.

The Joshua fight continues this revolution. Scheduled for 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT on Friday, December 19, the event will stream globally on Netflix with no additional pay-per-view charge for subscribers. This accessibility democratizes access to major boxing events, potentially introducing the sport to casual viewers who would never purchase a traditional PPV. For boxing, it represents either the future of the sport or a concerning shift away from the established economic model—depending on perspective.

Netflix's investment in live sports has been strategic, beginning with NFL games on Christmas Day and expanding into combat sports with Paul as their marquee attraction. The platform's technical capabilities, demonstrated during the Tyson fight despite some streaming hiccups, position it to become boxing's primary broadcaster if the business model proves sustainable. The Joshua-Paul bout serves as another crucial test of this new paradigm.

Kaseya Center: Miami's Premier Arena

The Kaseya Center (formerly FTX Arena and American Airlines Arena) in downtown Miami provides the perfect setting for this blockbuster event. Located at 601 Biscayne Boulevard, the 20,000-seat arena serves as home to the NBA's Miami Heat and has hosted countless major boxing events, concerts, and sporting spectacles since opening in 1999.

Miami's multicultural population and status as a global city make it ideal for an event featuring Britain's Joshua and America's Paul. The city's vibrant nightlife, world-class dining, and beach proximity create a destination weekend for boxing fans traveling to attend. December in Miami offers perfect weather—warm temperatures without summer's oppressive heat and humidity—making it an attractive time for both fighters and fans.

The arena's modern amenities include club seating, luxury suites, multiple concession areas, and excellent sightlines throughout. For boxing, the venue can be configured to maximize seating around the ring while maintaining intimacy despite its size. Transportation access is excellent, with the arena connected to the Metromover downtown people-mover system and surrounded by parking options. Visit Miami tourism for travel planning information.

The Kickoff Press Conference

Fans not attending the fight will have their first opportunity to see Joshua and Paul face-to-face at the kickoff press conference scheduled for Friday, November 21 at 1 PM ET at Kaseya Center. The press conference, hosted by renowned combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani, requires no tickets and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing the public to witness the initial confrontation between these polarizing figures.

Press conferences for Paul fights have become events unto themselves, featuring heated exchanges, dramatic faceoffs, and viral moments that generate millions of social media impressions. Joshua, typically more reserved than Paul's previous opponents, will face The Problem Child's psychological warfare for the first time. The dynamic between Joshua's professional demeanor and Paul's showmanship promises compelling viewing as both fighters begin the mental battle that will culminate in the ring five weeks later.

What the Experts Are Saying

The boxing world's reaction to this fight announcement has been mixed, reflecting the controversial nature of Paul's career and the unusual matchup dynamics. Traditional boxing purists question whether Joshua, a former unified champion, should be fighting someone with Paul's limited professional experience. However, others recognize the commercial reality—this fight will generate massive global interest and substantial paydays for both fighters.

Early betting odds heavily favor Joshua, with some books listing him as a -800 favorite (bet $800 to win $100). Paul opens as roughly a +500 underdog, reflecting the significant skill and experience gap. However, Paul has consistently exceeded expectations, and his size advantage (both men fight at heavyweight) means he possesses the power to change any fight with one punch. Joshua's recent knockout loss to Dubois also raised questions about his chin and vulnerability to heavy shots.

Boxing analysts note that Joshua's technical skills, footwork, and jab should allow him to control distance and outbox Paul. His superior hand speed and combination punching represent major advantages. However, Paul's youth (28 vs. 36), confidence, and proven ability to rise to big occasions make him dangerous. The eight-round distance (shorter than standard 12-round championship fights) potentially benefits Paul, who has never fought beyond eight rounds in his career.

Planning Your Miami Fight Weekend

For fans traveling to Miami for Judgment Day, planning ahead maximizes your experience. December 19 falls on a Friday, making it perfect for a fight weekend in South Florida.

Accommodations: Book hotels early, as Miami hotels fill quickly during winter season. Downtown Miami properties near Kaseya Center offer walking distance to the venue, while South Beach hotels provide the full Miami experience with a short rideshare to the arena. Major hotel chains along Brickell Avenue combine convenience with proximity to restaurants and nightlife.

Transportation: Miami International Airport serves the region with connections worldwide. The Metromover and Metrorail provide public transportation to downtown, though most visitors prefer rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Kaseya Center is located in downtown Miami with parking garages nearby, though rideshare drop-off zones make arriving by car service convenient.

Dining: Miami's restaurant scene rivals any American city, from authentic Cuban cuisine in Little Havana to high-end steakhouses in Brickell. Make dinner reservations well in advance for post-fight celebrations. The Bayside Marketplace near the arena offers numerous casual dining options for pre-event meals.

Extended Stay: Consider extending your trip to explore Miami Beach, the Art Deco District, Wynwood Walls street art, Vizcaya Museum, and the Everglades. December weather is perfect for beach activities and outdoor exploration without summer's heat.

Understanding the Resale Ticket Market

When securing tickets for high-demand events like Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua, understanding the secondary ticket market helps fans make informed decisions and avoid scams.

Why Resale Markets Exist: Not everyone who purchases tickets through primary sales can ultimately attend. Life circumstances change, travel plans shift, and financial situations evolve. The resale market allows these original purchasers to recoup their investment while providing access to fans who missed initial sales or decided to attend after primary inventory sold out.

How Pricing Works: Resale ticket prices reflect market dynamics—supply and demand determine value rather than arbitrary face values. For unprecedented events like this heavyweight showdown, demand exceeds supply, typically resulting in prices above original face value. The market compensates sellers for the risk they took purchasing without certainty they could attend while providing buyers access they otherwise wouldn't have.

Verification and Protection: Reputable platforms like BigStub implement multi-layer authentication processes. Sellers must verify their identity and ticket legitimacy before listings go live. Buyer protection policies ensure valid tickets or full refunds. Our 20-year track record and Trustpilot ratings demonstrate consistent delivery on these promises, making us the trusted choice for major events.

Transparent Pricing: Unlike some platforms adding surprise fees at checkout, BigStub displays all-inclusive pricing from the first page. The price you see browsing inventory is exactly what you pay at purchase—no hidden charges, no last-minute add-ons, no confusion about final costs. This transparency builds trust and allows informed decision-making.

Avoiding Scams: Purchase tickets only through established, verified marketplaces with buyer protection guarantees. Avoid Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or cash transactions with strangers. Never wire money or pay with gift cards. Legitimate ticket platforms process transactions through secure payment systems with fraud protection built in.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua officially announced?

Most Valuable Promotions officially announced Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua on Monday, November 17, 2025, confirming the fight for Friday, December 19, 2025, at Kaseya Center in Miami. The announcement came after Paul's originally scheduled bout with Gervonta Davis was cancelled due to a civil lawsuit filed against Davis. The fight will be a professional eight-round heavyweight contest with 10-ounce gloves, streaming live globally on Netflix at 8 PM ET as part of the event titled Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day.

How can I watch Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua?

Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua will stream live exclusively on Netflix on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 8 PM ET (5 PM PT). The fight is included with all Netflix subscription plans at no additional pay-per-view charge, making it accessible to Netflix's global subscriber base estimated at over 260 million households. Viewers in the United Kingdom will watch at 1 AM on Saturday, December 20. This continues Netflix's strategy of offering major live sporting events as part of standard subscriptions rather than traditional pay-per-view pricing models that have dominated boxing for decades.

What is Jake Paul's boxing record?

Jake Paul's professional boxing record stands at 12 wins and 1 loss with 7 knockouts. He made his professional debut in January 2020 and has defeated notable opponents including former UFC champions Tyron Woodley (twice), Anderson Silva, and Nate Diaz, as well as NBA player Nate Robinson and most recently boxing legend Mike Tyson. His only professional loss came via split decision against Tommy Fury, brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, in February 2023. Paul has never been knocked out in his professional career, though the Anthony Joshua fight represents by far his most dangerous opponent to date.

What is Anthony Joshua's boxing record and background?

Anthony Joshua's professional record is 28 wins and 4 losses with 25 knockouts. The British heavyweight is a former two-time unified world champion who held the WBO, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles from 2016-2019 and again from 2019-2021. He won Olympic gold for Great Britain at the 2012 London Games before turning professional in 2013. Joshua's defining victory came against Wladimir Klitschko in 2017 at Wembley Stadium before 90,000 fans. His four professional losses have come against Andy Ruiz Jr. (later avenged), Oleksandr Usyk (twice), and most recently Daniel Dubois. At 36 years old, Joshua remains one of boxing's most accomplished and dangerous heavyweights.

When do tickets go on sale for Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua?

Official tickets for Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua go on sale Friday, November 21, 2025, at 12 PM ET through Ticketmaster and authorized sellers. Pre-sale opportunities are available now for fans who sign up through official channels. Given the massive global interest in this fight and Paul's track record of selling out venues, tickets are expected to be in extremely high demand. The resale marketplace provides alternative access to tickets when primary sales sell out quickly, with BigStub offering verified tickets from authenticated sellers with transparent all-inclusive pricing and comprehensive buyer protection.

Why was Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis cancelled?

Jake Paul's originally scheduled exhibition bout with lightweight champion Gervonta Tank Davis was cancelled after a civil lawsuit was filed against Davis by his ex-girlfriend accusing him of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit raised concerns among promoters and stakeholders about proceeding with the event, leading Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix to announce the cancellation on November 4, 2025. Rather than postponing, Paul and MVP immediately pivoted to securing Anthony Joshua as a replacement opponent, transforming what would have been an exhibition into a fully sanctioned professional heavyweight fight.

Is this fight a professional bout or an exhibition?

Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua is a fully sanctioned professional heavyweight boxing match that will count on both fighters' official records. The bout consists of eight three-minute rounds with 10-ounce gloves, officiated by licensed referees and judges. This differs from Paul's originally planned Davis fight, which was structured as an exhibition. The professional sanctioning means the result becomes part of boxing history, with significant implications for both fighters' careers. For Paul, a victory over a former unified champion would legitimize his boxing credentials and potentially position him for world title contention. For Joshua, it represents a high-profile opportunity but also carries legacy risks.

What are the betting odds for Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua?

Early betting odds heavily favor Anthony Joshua, with major sportsbooks listing him as approximately a -800 favorite, meaning bettors would need to wager $800 to win $100. Jake Paul opens as roughly a +500 underdog, meaning a $100 bet would return $500 profit if he wins. These odds reflect the significant experience and skill gap between a former unified heavyweight champion with 25 knockouts and a fighter with just 13 professional bouts. However, Paul has consistently exceeded expectations throughout his career, and betting lines may shift as fight week approaches based on training camp reports, public betting patterns, and other factors affecting perceived fight dynamics.

How much will Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua earn for this fight?

While exact purses have not been publicly disclosed, both fighters are expected to earn substantial paydays. Jake Paul consistently ranks among boxing's highest-paid fighters, with Forbes estimating he made $38 million in 2022 alone from three fights plus other ventures. His Netflix partnership and ownership stake in Most Valuable Promotions ensure significant earnings. Anthony Joshua, one of boxing's biggest draws who has headlined sold-out stadiums and commanded multimillion-dollar purses throughout his career, likely negotiated a guaranteed purse plus potential revenue sharing. Reports suggest total event revenue could exceed $100 million when combining gate receipts, Netflix rights fees, sponsorships, and international distribution, with both fighters receiving substantial portions.

What is the seating capacity of Kaseya Center for boxing?

Kaseya Center's seating capacity for boxing events typically ranges from 18,000 to 20,000 depending on ring placement and production requirements. The arena's configuration for boxing differs from basketball games, with the ring positioned to maximize seating while maintaining sightlines. Floor seating surrounds the ring with ringside premium sections, while bowl seating extends through multiple levels. The venue has successfully hosted major boxing events throughout its history, combining Miami's destination appeal with modern amenities including club seats, luxury suites, and excellent acoustics. For an event of this magnitude, every seat will likely be sold, creating an electric atmosphere.

Can I attend the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua press conference?

Yes, the kickoff press conference on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 1 PM ET at Kaseya Center is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis with no tickets required. Hosted by renowned combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani, the press conference will feature both fighters addressing media and fans before their first face-to-face confrontation. Doors typically open 30-60 minutes before the scheduled start time. The event will also be streamed online through Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix social media channels for those unable to attend in person. Press conferences for Jake Paul fights have become events unto themselves, often generating viral moments and intense exchanges that build anticipation for fight night.

What time does the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua fight start?

The main event ring walks for Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua are scheduled for approximately 8 PM ET (5 PM PT) on Friday, December 19, 2025, though exact timing depends on undercard fight durations. Netflix's live stream begins earlier in the evening with undercard bouts featuring other fighters from Most Valuable Promotions and potential international talent. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the fight airs in the early hours of Saturday, December 20, at approximately 1 AM GMT. Jake Paul events typically feature extensive production with elaborate ring entrances, celebrity appearances, and entertainment value beyond just the main event, making the full broadcast worth watching from start to finish.

Is Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua happening in Miami for sure?

Yes, the fight is confirmed for Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. The venue was officially announced by Most Valuable Promotions alongside the fight confirmation on November 17, 2025. Miami was selected for multiple reasons including its status as a global city with diverse population, excellent airport connectivity for international travelers, perfect December weather, and the arena's proven track record hosting major combat sports events. The original Davis fight was initially planned for Atlanta before being relocated to Miami, so the Joshua fight maintains the Miami location. Kaseya Center has hosted numerous boxing events throughout its history and provides the modern amenities and atmosphere befitting an event of this magnitude.

Will there be an undercard for Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua?

Yes, Jake Paul events traditionally feature substantial undercard fights showcasing talent from Most Valuable Promotions and other boxing prospects. While specific undercard matchups have not been announced yet, expect multiple professional bouts throughout the evening before the main event. Previous Paul events have included championship fights involving MVP's roster of world champions like Amanda Serrano, as well as rising prospects from their Most Valuable Prospects series. The full fight card will likely be announced in the weeks leading up to December 19, with potential for international talent given the global audience Netflix provides. The undercard serves both as entertainment value and as a showcase for boxing's future stars.

Has Jake Paul fought at heavyweight before?

Yes, Jake Paul's November 2024 fight against Mike Tyson was contested at heavyweight, representing Paul's move up from cruiserweight where he had campaigned for most of his career. Paul weighed in at approximately 230 pounds for the Tyson fight and has indicated his intention to remain at heavyweight moving forward. His previous fights were primarily at cruiserweight (around 200 pounds), though he has always been a naturally big fighter with the frame to compete in boxing's glamour division. The Anthony Joshua fight will be Paul's second consecutive heavyweight bout, positioning him to potentially pursue world title opportunities in the division if he can defeat Joshua and continue building his credentials against elite opposition.

Why are people criticizing the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua fight?

Critics argue the fight represents a mismatch between a former unified heavyweight champion with 32 professional fights and an influencer-turned-boxer with just 13 bouts. Traditional boxing purists question whether Joshua should be fighting someone with Paul's limited experience rather than focusing on reclaiming world titles. However, supporters counter that Paul has earned this opportunity through consistent victories, massive viewership numbers that benefit boxing financially, and his willingness to take career-defining risks. The fight generates enormous global interest, provides both fighters substantial earnings, and settles the question of whether Paul can compete with elite-level opponents. The criticism reflects broader debates about boxing's evolution, the role of entertainment in sports, and how the industry adapts to changing media landscapes.