- Anthony Joshua doubles down on “kill” comments, stating boxers have a “licence to kill” in response to Tyson Fury’s criticism.
- Jake Paul embraces the intensity, saying “let’s kill each other” for no excuses.
- The professional heavyweight bout is set for December 19, 2025, at Kaseya Center in Miami, over eight three-minute rounds with 10oz gloves.
- Joshua capped at 245 pounds; knockouts fully permitted amid safety concerns.
- Rumors of scripting firmly denied; a Paul upset would rank among boxing’s greatest shocks.
The Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul showdown has reached fever pitch following a fiery final press conference in Miami on December 17, 2025. Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua stood firm on his provocative remarks, while social media star Paul matched the bravado, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash billed as “Judgment Day.”
Joshua, 36, explained his fighter’s mentality after initial comments drew backlash, including from Tyson Fury who labeled him a “classless loser.” Paul, the heavy underdog stepping up from cruiserweight, welcomed the aggression, promising a war.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | December 19, 2025 |
| Venue | Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida |
| Rounds | Eight three-minute rounds |
| Gloves | 10oz standard |
| Weight Limit | Joshua max 245 pounds |
| Streaming | Exclusively on Netflix |
| Status | Sanctioned professional (knockouts allowed) |
The Anthony Joshua Jake Paul fight captures global attention as one of boxing’s most intriguing crossovers. Joshua, an Olympic gold medalist with a 28-4 record (25 KOs), returns after a 15-month layoff following a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Paul, 28, boasts a 12-1 mark (7 KOs), built on victories over former UFC stars and aging legends like Mike Tyson.
Press conference highlights showcased contrasting styles. Joshua remained composed, emphasizing professional duty: “It’s my job—we fight. Whatever happens, happens, as long as my hand is raised.” He views the bout as carrying boxing’s torch, aiming to “end the Jake Paul show.”
Paul injected entertainment, singing mockingly, striking playful poses during the face-off—including protruding his stomach—and touching Joshua’s chest. The staredown ended amicably, with Joshua grabbing Paul’s necklace in jest. Undercard fighters voted overwhelmingly for Paul in a fun prediction poll.
Controversy stemmed from Joshua’s Tuesday remarks: “If I can kill you, I’ll kill you.” Fury criticized the language as unsuitable for a veteran facing a “YouTuber.” Joshua clarified it’s the inherent danger of the sport, not personal malice: “You hope your opponent leaves safely, but you did your job.”
Paul amplified the rhetoric: “This is modern-day gladiator sport. I’m ready—I want his hardest punches. Let’s kill each other.” He dismissed excuses, vowing the “biggest upset in sports history.”
Safety debates arise from the mismatch: Joshua’s size (6’6″, typically 250+ pounds), power, and elite experience versus Paul’s cruiserweight background. Joshua must weigh no more than 245 pounds at Thursday’s weigh-in, but no rehydration clause applies. The Florida Athletic Commission sanctions full rules, including knockouts.
Scripting rumors, fueled by the disparity, were quashed. Paul affirmed: “Nothing in the contract— we’re going to war.” Joshua joked the only appealing clause was financial. Promoter Eddie Hearn called fixes illegal in sanctioned bouts.
Joshua positions himself as boxing’s savior against influencer incursions, while Paul claims greater promotional impact: “I’ve done more for boxing in the last decade.” A Paul victory would devastate Joshua’s legacy, though the Briton insists he’d rebound.
The historic Fillmore Miami Beach venue, once hosting icons like Frank Sinatra, added spectacle. Lighter moments balanced tension, but intensity underscores risks.
Paul’s journey—from prankster with 28+ million Instagram followers to legitimate contender—culminates here. Joshua seeks redemption post-Dubois, eyeing future blockbusters like Fury.
This heavyweight encounter blends sport and showbiz, promising drama regardless of outcome. Joshua favored heavily (-900 odds), but Paul’s confidence hints at surprises in Miami’s spotlight.
