Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is scheduled to return to the ring next month against American social media personality and professional boxer Jake Paul in a high-profile bout in the United States.
The fight, confirmed by promoters on Monday, will take place at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. It will be contested over eight three-minute rounds under professional rules.
The 36-year-old British-Nigerian fighter, widely known as “AJ,” has been out of action since suffering a fifth-round knockout loss to compatriot Daniel Dubois in September 2024 at Wembley Stadium, where he was challenging for the IBF heavyweight title.
For Jake Paul, the 28-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer, this marks a rapid return after his controversial victory over boxing legend Mike Tyson in November 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Texas — a fight that drew massive global attention and broke several streaming records.
The December showdown replaces Paul’s previously planned exhibition against lightweight star Gervonta Davis, which was cancelled earlier this month.
Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) will be looking to rebuild his career following back-to-back defeats — first to Oleksandr Usyk in 2022 and then to Dubois last year — while Paul (11-1, 7 KOs) continues his ambitious campaign against established names in the heavyweight division.
Promoters have described the event as one of the most anticipated cross-over fights of the year, blending traditional boxing pedigree with modern entertainment appeal.
Further details regarding the exact date, broadcast partners, and undercard are expected to be announced in the coming days.
This will be Anthony Joshua’s first professional fight on American soil since his 2019 rematch victory over Andy Ruiz Jr. at Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia (technically staged under U.S. promotion).
