Anthony Joshua has successfully met the weight requirement for his upcoming bout against Jake Paul, accomplishing this two weeks ahead of schedule. The former two-time heavyweight champion had been out of action since a significant defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, where he suffered injuries necessitating time off for recovery.
After undergoing elbow surgery, Joshua promptly resumed training, aiming to face the relatively inexperienced Paul before a significant 2026 boxing campaign. Scheduled for December 19 in Miami, the professional heavyweight showdown between Joshua and Paul will involve an eight-round bout, with both fighters using 10oz gloves.
While Paul transitions back to the heavyweight division following a single match against Mike Tyson in November 2024, Joshua faced the challenge of meeting a weight limit of under 245lb for the upcoming fight. The match will be live-streamed on Netflix, available for free with Sky’s £15 Essential TV package.
Despite initial speculation that Joshua would need to intensify his training to shed weight, the British boxer recently shared his current weight of 111kg (244.7Ib), alleviating concerns among fans. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed Joshua’s readiness and top physical condition for the upcoming battle.
Looking beyond the Paul fight, a victory this month could set Joshua up for a promising 2026, potentially leading to a summer showdown with Tyson Fury. Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh hinted at exciting plans for Joshua’s future, including significant events in London and a potentially historic match in September.
The anticipated clash between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul is set to take place in Miami on December 19, just ahead of Christmas. The fight is expected to commence around 11 pm local time, catering to the American audience and airing live on Netflix. Fight times may vary based on undercard duration and are subject to change.
