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