YouTube star and boxer Jake Paul is gearing up for the most significant fight of his career as he prepares to face former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami. This matchup, which will be streamed live on Netflix, has quickly become one of the most discussed events of the year since its announcement.
Paul, known for his flair for drama, dubbed the upcoming fight “Judgment Day,” presenting it as the moment he aims to silence his critics once and for all. For Joshua, this marks a high-profile return to the ring after his defeat to Daniel Dubois last year. Though both fighters have very different motivations, they share a common desire to create a global spectacle.
The match is set for eight three-minute rounds, using 10-ounce gloves. This format combines Paul’s familiarity with Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight experience. Even before the fight begins, opinions within the boxing community are divided. Some supporters commend its entertainment value, while others raise concerns about its legitimacy.
An important boxing bout for both fighters
More than just an influencer boxing event, this is a clash between a decorated former world champion and a disruptive digital-era personality. Joshua’s involvement, as one of heavyweight boxing’s most recognisable figures, highlights the sport’s evolution in the age of streaming and celebrity matchups.
This fight presents a historic opportunity for Paul. After a series of controversial wins against ex-athletes and MMA fighters, including Mike Tyson, he now faces Joshua, his first elite, in-shape heavyweight opponent, familiar with boxing. A victory would redefine Paul’s standing in the sport.
The fight presents new challenges for both. Joshua aims to neutralise Paul’s speed and disruptive marketing, while Paul needs to demonstrate his lasting impact beyond viral fame.
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Beyond the ring, the outcome could accelerate a trend: traditional boxers taking lucrative crossover fights, and streaming giants shaping how global boxing is consumed and monetised. Win or lose, Paul’s presence continues to challenge what “professional boxing” looks like in a digital-first era.
Jake Paul: rise from YouTuber to professional boxer
Jake Paul rose to fame as a teenage content creator, gaining popularity on Vine and later becoming a top YouTuber. In 2018, he surprised audiences by transitioning to amateur boxing, debuting against YouTuber Deji Olatunji in a highly publicised match.
He turned professional in 2020 by defeating YouTuber AnEsonGib in his first pro bout. From that point on, he broadened his horizons, achieving victories against former NBA player Nate Robinson and then facing MMA veterans such as Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley, and Anderson Silva. Each fight pushed the boundaries of influencer boxing, merging entertainment with athletic ambition.
Paul reached one of his most controversial milestones in 2024 when he faced a returning Mike Tyson in the ring. This surreal and highly publicised event ultimately saw Paul emerge as the victor. Since that time, he has worked to establish himself not only as a boxer but also as a businessman in the boxing world. He founded Most Valuable Promotions and has made a name for himself in mainstream combat sports discussions.
His fight against Anthony Joshua is significant because it marks the first time he is up against a boxer with indisputable championship credentials. This bout represents a shift from mere spectacle to genuine competition, and the result could determine the next chapter of his turbulent and unlikely rise in the boxing world.
