Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami in December, it has been confirmed this afternoon.
The pair will clash live on Netflix from the Kaseya Center six days before Christmas in a money-spinning bout that the Daily Mail claims will see each man earn £70million.
Joshua is a former IBF, WBO and WBA world champion but has not fought since a crushing defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley last September. He said in a statement: “Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy.
“I took some time out and I’m coming back with a mega show. It’s a big opportunity for me. Whether you like it or not, I’m here to do massive numbers, have big fights and break every record whilst keeping cool, calm and collected. 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.”
Worries for Paul in facing fighter of Joshua’s class
A meeting with Joshua would represent a major step up in class for Paul.
The American was due to fight lightweight world champion Gervonta Davis at the weekend but the exhibition bout was cancelled after Davis’ ex-girlfriend filed a lawsuit that accused him of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Paul’s only previous experience of fighting a heavyweight was 12 months ago when he beat then 58-year-old Mike Tyson on points.
That was an unedifying affair and this promises more of the same.
Paul said: “This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day.
“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.
“To all my haters, this is what you wanted. To the people of the United Kingdom, I am sorry. On Friday, December 19, under the lights in Miami, live globally only on Netflix, the torch gets passed and Britain’s Goliath gets put to sleep.”
