Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul are finalizing negotiations for a massive heavyweight boxing match set to take place in Miami later this year.
This blockbuster showdown is slated for December and is expected to be broadcast on Netflix, mirroring the original plans for Paul’s canceled bout with Gervonta Davis.
Paul was scheduled to face American rival Davis this Saturday night, but the fight was canceled last week due to domestic violence allegations currently faced by Davis. Paul has now pivoted his focus to the British star Joshua, with negotiations entering the final stages. Potential fight dates being discussed are reportedly the 9th and 12th of December.
The news follows recent hints from Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, who spoke of the British star’s need for a “run-out” fight.
Hearn had said earlier this week: “We will make a decision this week on Anthony’s next fight. If he fights this year, you probably won’t even hear about it, unless it’s Jake Paul.”
“We would literally rock up on fight week. We’ve already got opponents that we’ve been talking to about a run-out fight,” the Matchroom Boxing chief added.
Hearn’s comments suggest that any bout between Paul and Joshua might be an exhibition, similar to how the Davis fight was initially planned.
Further details are pending, but one of the biggest questions for fans is the weight restriction, given the significant size difference between the two fighters.
In Paul’s most recent fight against Julio Chavez Jr. in June, he weighed in at 199.4lbs.
In contrast, Joshua’s last fight against Daniel Dubois saw him weigh in at 252lbs 5oz. However, Paul did manage to bulk up to 220lbs for his bout with Mike Tyson last year, a weight he will likely need to reach again to be competitive.