A match initially set up as an exhibition against Gervonta “Tank” Davis, who’s significantly lighter than Jake Paul, has transformed into a professional heavyweight fight featuring Anthony Joshua. This match is scheduled for December 19 at Miami’s Caseya Center and will follow official heavyweight bout regulations. Paul will wear 10-ounce gloves, competing in eight three-minute rounds.
Paul has faced criticism for the fighters he chooses to face—his opponents have often been deemed either too old, like Mike Tyson, or relatively unknown, such as Andre August and Ryan Bolland. Even Nate Diaz and Anderson Silva, who are both known for MMA, were seen as unconventional choices.
It’s true that Joshua may no longer be in peak condition; he last held a title in August 2022 and suffered a close defeat in a recent IBF title fight against Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Still, he seems to fit the mold that Paul’s detractors have pointed to. Joshua, standing five inches taller, represents a challenge for Paul, who has only one heavyweight fight under his belt—against Tyson last year. Plus, it hasn’t been long since Joshua has headlined a major event.
“The world is against me, yet they don’t realize I’m maneuvering them exactly where I want,” Paul expressed in an interview. He seems to feel he’s on the brink of establishing himself within boxing, although some might argue that’s not necessarily a commendable ambition.
Paul believes that if he defeats Joshua, he could become the prominent figure in boxing. “If I knock out Anthony Joshua, I’ll be the face and king of boxing. There’ll be silence from the critics,” he stated. He also conveyed a strong sense of faith: “I know God is on my side, guiding me in my career and life. I step into the ring with confidence knowing this is my moment.”
Currently, Joshua boasts a professional record of 28 wins and 4 losses, while Paul stands at 12 wins and 1 loss.
