Anthony Joshua has successfully met the weight requirement for his upcoming bout against Jake Paul, achieving this milestone two weeks ahead of schedule.
The former two-time heavyweight champion had been out of action since his devastating fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, which led to a period of recuperation to address minor injuries sustained during the fight.
After undergoing successful elbow surgery, Joshua wasted no time in returning to training at the gym. It is anticipated that the British boxer will have a relatively straightforward match against the inexperienced Paul before an eventful 2026 in the boxing world. The highly anticipated professional heavyweight showdown between Joshua and Paul is set to take place on December 19 in Miami.
The upcoming fight will consist of eight three-minute rounds, with both fighters required to wear 10oz gloves. While Paul, who previously faced Mike Tyson in November 2024, will find the transition back to heavyweight relatively comfortable, Joshua faced a challenge as he had to adhere to a weight limit of under 245lb for the bout.
Scheduled for December 19 in Miami, the heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul will be broadcast live on Netflix, accessible to fans through Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle, which is currently being offered at its “lowest ever price” for Sky TV subscribers.
Despite initial concerns about Joshua needing to shed 20lb to meet the weight requirement, a recent social media video revealed that he currently weighs around 111kg (244.7Ib), alleviating worries among fans. Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, confirmed that the boxer is already in Miami, showcasing excellent physical condition leading up to the fight.
Hearn expressed confidence in Joshua’s readiness for the match, emphasizing the boxer’s dedication and preparation for the unique weight requirement. A victory in this upcoming fight could provide Joshua with a significant confidence boost as he eyes a potentially high-profile clash with Tyson Fury in 2026.
Plans for Joshua’s future fights were hinted at by Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh, who indicated upcoming events in London featuring Joshua in February and a major fight in September, teasing fans with exciting prospects for the boxing calendar.
The clash between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul is scheduled for December 19 in Miami, just ahead of Christmas. The fighters are expected to enter the ring around 11pm local time, which translates to 4am in the UK. Fight timings may vary based on the undercard duration and are typically tailored to suit the American audience. The fight will be broadcast live on Netflix.