In a night that blurs the lines between sporting merit and pure spectacle, two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua steps into the ring with YouTube sensation turned boxer Jake Paul. This surreal encounter, taking place in Miami, is captivating the combat sports world.
Fight Details and Record-Breaking Purse
The event, streamed exclusively on Netflix, is scheduled for an early morning UK audience, with ringwalks expected around 3:30am. The main card begins at 1am. The contest itself is set for eight three-minute rounds, with a contracted weight limit of 245lbs for Joshua, who weighed in at 243.4lbs.
Far from an exhibition, this is a fully sanctioned professional bout where knockouts are permitted. Joshua brings formidable power with 25 stoppages from 28 wins, while Paul has secured seven knockouts in his 13-fight career.
The financial stakes are astronomical. After initial reports of a £140 million split, Jake Paul appeared to confirm the total purse is a staggering $267 million (approximately £210 million), making it one of the most lucrative fights in history.
Undercard Action and Stakes
The build-up has already seen success for British fighter Caroline Dubois. The Londoner, recently signed to Paul's Most Valuable Promotions, successfully defended her WBC lightweight title with a dominant points victory over Camila Panatta on her US debut.
The narrative for the main event could not be more contrasting. Anthony Joshua, a dominant force in heavyweight boxing for nearly a decade, aims to rebuild momentum towards becoming a three-time world champion in 2026. Jake Paul, who scored a controversial win over 58-year-old Mike Tyson last year, seeks the ultimate validation—and arguably the greatest upset in boxing history—by derailing those plans.
A Clash of Eras and Expectations
This fight represents a monumental collision of two vastly different boxing pathways. When Joshua was winning his first world title nine years ago, Paul was still a star on the Disney Channel. Now, the seasoned champion faces the sport's chief disruptor, who has spent five years calling out big names.
Opinion is divided on the outcome. It could either be a straightforward night for the elite-level athlete, Joshua, or a seismic shock that redefines the sport's landscape. All will be revealed in the early hours, in what promises to be a night of high drama and even higher financial reward.
