Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul fight moved to US after UK ban

By Hong Duy November 19, 2025 | 03:01 pm PT

Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul have confirmed a blockbuster bout for Dec. 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, with a reported fight purse of US$185 million.

The event was moved to the U.S. after the British Boxing Board (BBBofC) declared it would never be licensed in the U.K., citing the significant weight difference between the two. Joshua maintained his weight above 113 kg in the last five bouts, while Paul was only 90 kg in his most recent fight.

The professional contest will be held over eight, three-minute rounds with 0.28 kg gloves and a 111 kg weight limit. Joshua has recently weighed over 113 kg (250 lbs), while Paul weighed around 90 kg (198 lbs) for his last fight.

For Joshua, the fight marks a controversial comeback 14 months after his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois. Once the top heavyweight in the world, Joshua's career has declined since two consecutive defeats to Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk.

"Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy," Joshua said in a statement, as quoted by Daily Mail. "I took some time out and I'm coming back with a mega show. It's a big opportunity for me. Mark my words, you'll see a lot more fighters take these opportunities in the future. I'm about to break the internet over Jake Paul's face."

The promotional poster for the Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul fight. Photo by MVP

Paul, 28, holds an 11-1 professional record and recently made headlines for defeating 59-year-old Mike Tyson in an exhibition fight las year. He was scheduled to fight Gervonta Davis this month, but the fight was canceled after Davis's arrest, paving the way for the bout with Joshua.

Paul, nicknamed "The Problem Child", continued his familiar provocative style in the announcement.

"This isn't an AI simulation. This is Judgement day," Paul said, as quoted by The Sun. "A professional heavyweight fight against an elite world champion in his prime. When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears, and no one can deny me the opportunity to fight for a world title. On Friday, Dec. 19, under the lights in Miami, live globally only on Netflix, the torch gets passed and Britain's Goliath gets put to sleep."

The fight is expected to be one of the most-watched sports-entertainment events of the year. A press conference is scheduled for Nov. 21 in Miami.