Anthony Joshua has successfully met the weight requirement ahead of his upcoming match against Jake Paul, achieving this milestone two weeks before the fight date. The former two-time heavyweight champion had been out of action since his defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, where he suffered a knockout in the fifth round and took time off to recover from minor injuries sustained during the bout.
After undergoing elbow surgery, Joshua quickly returned to training and is anticipated to have a relatively straightforward victory over the boxing novice, setting the stage for an eventful 2026 in the ring. The highly-anticipated professional heavyweight showdown between Joshua and Paul is scheduled for December 19 in Miami, featuring an eight-round contest with both fighters using 10oz gloves.
Despite initial concerns about Joshua having to reduce his weight to below 245lb for the fight, recent updates indicate he is currently weighing in at 111kg (244.7Ib), alleviating worries within the boxing community. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed Joshua’s readiness for the match, praising his dedication and physical condition leading up to the event.
With a win in December, Joshua aims to boost his confidence for future endeavors in 2026, potentially including a summer showdown with Tyson Fury. Plans outlined by Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh suggest significant boxing events featuring Joshua in London next year, with a major fight anticipated in September.
The highly-anticipated clash between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul in Miami on December 19 is set to take place just days before Christmas. The fight, expected to air on Netflix, is likely to commence around 11pm local time, translating to 4am in the UK. Event timings are subject to change based on the undercard proceedings and are tailored to suit the American audience.