Jake Paul will face former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in a highly anticipated boxing match on Friday night at the Kaseya Center in Miami. The eight-round bout will be streamed on Netflix, marking a significant departure from traditional pay-per-view events. This fight represents a pivotal moment for both fighters, who have much to gain and lose in the ring.
At 36 years old, Joshua holds a professional record of 28 wins and 4 losses, with 25 knockouts. His most recent fight was in September 2024, where he suffered a knockout by Daniel Dubois in the fifth round. Despite this setback, Joshua is the clear favorite against the 28-year-old Paul, who has a record of 12 wins and 1 loss, with 7 knockouts.
During the final media appearance before the fight, Paul acknowledged the challenges he faces. “The odds are stacked against me,” he declared. Paul, who stands at 6 feet 1 inch tall, will contend with Joshua’s impressive height of 6 feet 6 inches and a reach advantage of 82 inches to Paul’s 76 inches. Notably, Paul’s previous bouts have primarily taken place at the 200-pound cruiserweight limit, adding another layer of complexity to this matchup.
Paul’s rise in the boxing world has been unconventional. He has achieved victories over notable opponents, including retired UFC champions Anderson Silva and Nate Díaz, and secured a decision victory against former middleweight titleholder Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.. His ability to draw in massive audiences was evident during his fight with Mike Tyson last year, which attracted 72,300 fans and generated approximately 108 million global views.
The YouTuber-turned-fighter has often faced criticism for his impact on boxing, with some detractors viewing him as a controversial figure. “No one has done more for the sport of boxing in the past decade than myself,” Paul stated confidently. He has also launched his own promotional company, which will oversee the nine-bout card for Friday’s event. Paul contends that if boxing enthusiasts truly cared about the sport, they would support him in this fight.
Joshua, an Olympic gold medalist from the 2012 Summer Games, recognizes the weight of his role in this matchup. He remarked, “It just seems I’ve been called in to save the purest of boxing.” Joshua understands the skepticism surrounding his decision to fight Paul but aims to deliver a performance that redeems his reputation in the sport. He recalled his first professional defeat against Andy Ruiz Jr., where he was knocked out in the seventh round at Madison Square Garden six years ago. “It was a tragedy. It was a loss,” Joshua reflected. “But if you’re in sports, it may happen. You may take some losses but the goal is to bounce back.”
As the countdown to the fight progresses, both fighters are aware of the stakes involved. For Paul, a victory could solidify his status as a legitimate contender in boxing, while Joshua seeks to restore his standing after recent struggles. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Paul can achieve what many consider an upset against a seasoned champion. The fight promises to deliver excitement and intrigue, showcasing two contrasting paths in the world of professional boxing.
