Anthony Joshua will return to the ring on December 19, 2025, to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami.
The former two-time heavyweight champion confirmed the fight on Monday. The bout, promoted by Most Valuable Promotions, will stream worldwide on Netflix.
Joshua, 36, has been out for more than a year since his fifth-round stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. He also spent part of the break recovering from an arm injury while discussing his future with promoter Eddie Hearn.
“I took some time out and I’m coming back with a mega show,” Joshua said. “It’s a big opportunity for me. Whether you like it or not, I’m here to do massive numbers, have big fights and break every record… I’m about to break the internet over Jake Paul’s face.”
Anthony Joshua remains one of Britain’s biggest sporting names. He rose to fame after winning Olympic gold in 2012 and went on to sell out stadiums while fighting top opponents including Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, Andy Ruiz, Dillian Whyte and Kubrat Pulev. His back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk stalled plans for big fights with Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury.
Paul, 28, enters with huge online attention. He has more than 28 million Instagram followers, while Joshua has over 16 million. Paul has described the contest as “Judgment Day” and has promised to “put to sleep” the former champion.
Hearn confirmed the fight will be a full professional contest under Queensberry rules, with 10-ounce gloves, and will count on both men’s records.
The financial stakes are high. Industry sources say both fighters could earn tens of millions, making it one of Joshua’s biggest paydays and the most important fight of Paul’s young boxing career.
On Instagram, Joshua had a short response to Paul’s antics: “He’s loco mhen!”
