Anthony Joshua Set for High-Profile Showdown with Jake Paul in Miami
Nigerian-born British heavyweight Anthony Joshua is preparing for a surprising return to the ring, as he gears up for a high-stakes bout against YouTube sensation Jake Paul in Miami next month. The fight was confirmed by Matchroom Boxing, promising one of the most talked-about events of the year.
The clash is scheduled to take place at the Kaseya Centre over eight three-minute rounds. Reports indicate both fighters will share a $184 million purse, highlighting the massive financial draw of the matchup.
Jake Paul, 28, stepped into the fight after his planned exhibition with Gervonta Davis fell through. The American has gained widespread attention since his controversial win over Mike Tyson in Texas last November, a fight that drew over 60 million viewers on Netflix.
For Joshua, now 36, the bout marks his first fight since losing to Daniel Dubois via knockout in their IBF title clash at Wembley in September 2024. While some fans have raised eyebrows at a two-time heavyweight champion facing a fighter with limited professional experience, the staggering payout explains why Joshua accepted the challenge.
Paul holds a 12-1 record, mostly against older or less established opponents, with Tommy Fury accounting for his only loss. Yet, the allure of a massive payday and global attention makes this a major event.
Behind the scenes, influential Saudi advisor Turki Alalshikh has hinted at even bigger plans for Joshua beyond the December bout. Speaking on DAZN before the Conor Benn vs. Chris Eubank Jr fight, Alalshikh teased major events for 2026, including a potential return to London.
“I am talking now with Eddie [Hearn]. Next year, we have two major events in London. Anthony Joshua will be part of it in February, and then there’s a huge fight later in the year—one of the greatest in boxing history,” Alalshikh revealed.
When asked about a possible Joshua vs. Tyson Fury showdown, he remained coy, adding: “I will not give you the answer. But in April, maybe in Tottenham, there will be big fights. Then in September, we have a big surprise for the fans in England.”
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, expressed confidence in the plans, saying: “We’ve all been excited about that fight for years. Turki is the man to make it happen. Everything we do with Anthony Joshua, we do with him. We have a lot planned—Anthony wants to reclaim the world heavyweight title and, of course, face Tyson Fury.”
However, the pathway to a showdown with Fury depends heavily on what happens in Miami. Any upset loss to Jake Paul could derail the buildup and complicate one of boxing’s most eagerly anticipated potential events.
