YouTube sensation-turned-professional boxer Jake Paul is gearing up for a highly anticipated eight-round heavyweight showdown against former two-time champion Anthony Joshua, despite a glaring size difference at their first official face-off on November 21, 2025, in Miami. The match, set for December 19 at the Kaseya Center, has already captured international attention due to the dramatic contrast between the fighters.

Paul’s Bold Predictions

Paul, standing 1.85 meters (6’1) and weighing around 200 pounds, faces a towering opponent in Joshua, who measures 1.98 meters (6’6) and will weigh no more than 245 pounds for the fight. Despite the size disparity, Paul confidently predicted a fifth-round knockout victory, comparing a potential upset to Buster Douglas’s legendary 1990 victory over Mike Tyson.

“I’m here to go out there and shock the world,” Paul said at the Miami press launch. “People say I’m out of my mind. I’ve gotten to where I am today because of delusional optimism. No one thinks I’m going to win, so be ready to be shocked.”

Paul argued that a smaller fighter can challenge a heavyweight differently due to speed, agility, and angles. He emphasized that avoiding Joshua’s power shots and scoring points will be key to pulling off a surprise victory.

Anthony Joshua Responds

For former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, this fight marks a return after a fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 and a period of elbow surgery and recovery. The 36-year-old Briton made it clear that he intends to approach Paul seriously.

“You can’t underestimate anyone. I’m going to take him seriously,” Joshua said. “I’ve realigned a lot in my life and regained my focus. I need to cut him up, break him down, and hurt him. That’s just what we do.”

Joshua, with a record of 28-4 and 25 knockouts, faces pressure to assert his dominance against Paul, as anything short of a decisive victory could impact his reputation among elite heavyweights.

Fight Context and Public Interest

The Paul-Joshua bout has raised eyebrows in the boxing community due to the size and experience gap, yet it has also generated massive hype. Paul, now five years into his professional boxing career, boasts a 12-1 record, including a notable eight-round victory over 58-year-old Mike Tyson in a 2024 exhibition that drew 72,300 fans at AT&T Stadium.

Joshua, historically weighing around 250 pounds for his fights, will be limited to 245 pounds in this match, adding another layer of strategy to the bout. Fans and analysts are already speculating on how Paul’s speed and unorthodox style could challenge Joshua’s raw power and technical skill.

What to Expect

With the fight just weeks away, anticipation is building. Paul remains confident that his agility and ring intelligence can neutralize Joshua’s size advantage, while Joshua is determined to prove that he remains a top-tier heavyweight. The clash represents not just a battle of fists but a showdown of personalities and hype, blending social media influence with traditional boxing prestige.

The December 19 fight promises to be one of the most talked-about heavyweight matchups of 2025, attracting both boxing purists and mainstream audiences worldwide.