Boxer Anthony Joshua is set to mark his comeback to the ring with a surprise heavyweight bout against Jake Paul in Miami.
The former world heavyweight champion and YouTuber-turned-boxer will face off in a match consisting of eight three-minute rounds, with both boxers using 10oz gloves.
The 36-year-old hasn’t fought since September 2024, when he suffered a shock loss to British compatriot Daniel Dubois at Wembley in the fifth round of their IBF world heavyweight title fight.
Joshua, who goes in with a record of 28 wins and four losses, promised the American “no mercy” ahead of his comeback.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
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Paul was due to face Gervonta Davis this month, but the bout was cancelled after a civil lawsuit was filed against the WBA lightweight champion.
The 28-year-old, who has a 12-1 record, last fought at heavyweight when he beat Mike Tyson by unanimous decision in November last year, in what was the then 58-year-old’s first fight in 19 years, before following that up in June with another unanimous decision victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Paul labelled the fight in Miami as “Judgement 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.”
