Anthony Joshua has successfully met the weight requirement for his upcoming bout against Jake Paul, accomplishing this two weeks ahead of schedule.
The former two-time heavyweight champion took a break from the ring after a crushing fifth-round knockout defeat by Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Joshua underwent elbow surgery and subsequent recovery before returning to training, aiming for an impressive comeback in 2026.
Scheduled for December 19 in Miami, the Joshua-Paul clash will be a professional heavyweight showdown lasting eight three-minute rounds, with both fighters using 10oz gloves. Joshua faced the challenge of meeting a weight limit of 245lb for the fight, while Paul, with limited experience at heavyweight, is preparing to face off against the seasoned heavyweight star.
Fans can watch the fight live on Netflix, available for free with Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle. Despite initial concerns about Joshua needing to shed 20lb, recent updates show him weighing in at 111kg (244.7Ib) well before the fight, easing worries among supporters.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, praised the boxer’s commitment and readiness for the match, emphasizing his focus and determination. A victory in this bout could set the stage for a potential showdown with Tyson Fury in the upcoming year.
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh hinted at significant upcoming events involving Joshua, including a fight in London in February and a potential major bout in September. The anticipation for the Miami showdown on December 19 continues to build as fans await the headline event, which is expected to start around 11pm local time, catering to the American audience and streaming live on Netflix.