Anthony Joshua has successfully met the weight requirement ahead of his upcoming bout against Jake Paul, accomplishing this milestone with a generous two-week buffer. The esteemed former two-time heavyweight champion had been absent from the ring since enduring a harsh fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Following the intense battle with ‘Triple D,’ Joshua faced minor injuries that prompted a hiatus to facilitate recovery.
After undergoing a triumphant elbow surgery, Joshua promptly resumed rigorous training in the gym. Anticipated to dominate the boxing novice in the upcoming match, Joshua and Paul are scheduled for a professional heavyweight showdown on December 19 in Miami, setting the stage for an exciting 2026 in the ring. The anticipated bout will span eight rounds of three minutes each, with both competitors donning 10oz gloves. While Paul transitions back to the heavyweight division following a solitary encounter with Mike Tyson in November 2024, Joshua encountered a surprising directive before the clash, stipulating that he could not exceed 245lb during the weigh-in.
The imminent clash between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul in Miami on December 19 will be live-streamed on Netflix, available at no cost to viewers who subscribe to Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle. With the revelation that the 36-year-old must shed 20lb to meet the required weight, speculations within the boxing community arose regarding Joshua’s training regimen. Contrary to assumptions, Joshua unveiled his current weight in a recent social media video, disclosing a weight of approximately 111kg (244.7Ib), much to the relief of fans. Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, affirmed that the heavyweight star is already stationed in Miami, displaying remarkable physical condition ahead of the impending contest.
Hearn expressed confidence in Joshua’s preparedness, emphasizing the athlete’s dedication and focus akin to facing an elite heavyweight opponent. Despite the necessity for Joshua to attain a notably lighter weight for this fight, progress remains on track as the match day approaches swiftly. A victory in this crucial encounter promises to bolster Joshua’s confidence as he eyes a significant 2026 campaign, potentially culminating in a summer showdown with Tyson Fury.
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh outlined ambitious plans for Joshua’s future endeavors, hinting at significant events in London in the upcoming year, including a potential historic boxing spectacle in September. The eventful boxing calendar includes a scheduled fight in Tottenham in April, setting the stage for an exciting year of boxing events. Joshua and Paul are set to collide in Miami just days before Christmas, with the ring walk likely to occur at 11 pm local time, catering to the American audience and subject to variations depending on the undercard duration. The fight will be broadcast live on Netflix, offering fans worldwide an opportunity to witness this anticipated clash.