Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul heavyweight fight now official with date and location announced
It’s official – Anthony Joshua will face Jake Paul in his comeback fight next month.
Paul was scheduled to face Gervonta “Tank” Davis last Saturday, but the event was canceled when the latter was named in a civil lawsuit regarding domestic allegations.
Meanwhile, Joshua was scheduled to end a 15-month absence in December in a low-key contest on an undercard ahead of a return to the elite level of the heavyweight division in 2026.
Still, Paul-Davis’ cancellation gave “AJ” the opportunity to take advantage of one of the most lucrative “tune-ups” in boxing history: a showdown with the brash former YouTuber, who has yet to face an active heavyweight in his 13-fight professional career.
The event has now been confirmed, with the fight date Friday December 19 for the surprise clash between a two-time world heavyweight champion who fought for the coveted heavyweight crown last year and the YouTuber turned boxer.
Yes, it’s real.
JAKE PAUL vs. ANTHONY JOSHUA. A professional heavyweight fight that defined his career. LIVE only on Netflix on Friday, December 19. #JakeJoshuapic.twitter.com/zG4RSqsTxU
-Netflix (@netflix) November 17, 2025
The undercard is expected to remain the same as the previous event, featuring Alycia Baumgardner and Cherneka Johnson, although an official announcement will be made soon. The full event will be available to stream live on Netflix with a regular subscription. More details are awaited on the rules or stipulations of the contest, but it has already been revealed that Joshua’s weight will be capped at 245 pounds, which is seven pounds lighter than his last outing.
