Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will face YouTube star Jake Paul in a professional fight in the United States on December 19, Matchroom Boxing, the event’s promoter, announced on Monday (17).
Paul, 28 years old, will face what is considered the most experienced opponent of his career: Joshua, 36 years old, two-time champion of the WBO, WBA and IBF belts.
The fight will have eight three-minute rounds and will take place at the Kaseya Center, in Miami.
The event will be broadcast globally on Netflix and will mark Paul’s second appearance on the streaming platform, following his victory over Mike Tyson last year.
“When I defeat Anthony Joshua, all doubts will disappear and no one will be able to deny me the opportunity to fight for a world title. To all my detractors, this is what you wanted. To the people of the United Kingdom, I apologize,” Paul said in a statement.
Olympic gold medalist in 2012, the Briton has a record of 28 wins, with 25 knockouts, and four defeats.
However, he lost twice to Oleksandr Usyk and was knocked out by Daniel Dubois in September last year in an IBF world heavyweight title fight — his last professional fight.
Joshua said there will be “no mercy” when he steps into the ring to face Paul.
“I took some time off and I’m coming back with a mega event. It’s a great opportunity for me,” he said. “Like it or not, I’m here to achieve impressive numbers, have great fights and break all records, while remaining calm and composed.”
