Remarkably, we are at fight night.
The matchup nobody saw coming at year’s start and who few believed would see the light of day even when it was signed is, in fact, upon us. Social media influencer-turned-boxing-powerbroker Jake Paul, 12-1 (7 KOs) steps WAY up in class to face former two-time unified heavyweight titlist Anthony Joshua, 28-4 (25 KOs). Their scheduled 8-round contest will headline a Netflix event Friday evening from Kaseya Center, home to the NBA’s Miami Heat.
Watford’s Joshua is, understandably, a massive favorite to not only beat Paul but knock him out to the point of ending his career.
However, far more is on the line for the visiting Brit, who is once again connected to a massive all-UK super fight with former lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury later next year. There is also the matter of Joshua having yet to win on U.S. soil. His first pro defeat came in a stunning 7th round knockout to Andy Ruiz, who took their June 2019 clash on barely five weeks’ notice.
Friday marks just Joshua’s second stateside appearance – though he is expected to have a much easier go of things this time around.
Paul is coming off wins over two faded former champions – Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr this past June 28 in Anaheim, California; and his exhibition win over 58-year-old, Hall of Fame former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson last November in Arlington, Texas. Paul vs. Tyson headlined the first-ever live Netflix boxing show and served as the most watched combat show of the 21st century.
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as a senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home. Follow Jake on X and Instagram.
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