‘Unless it’s Jake Paul’: Strong hint that Anthony Joshua will step in for Netflix blockbuster
Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul are finalising a deal for a heavyweight fight in December on Netflix, according to The Ring.
Paul dropped his fight with Gervonta Davis, which was supposed to take place on November 14, after domestic violence allegations were made against the lightweight champion.
The report states Paul also reached out to Ryan Garcia and Terence Crawford but has reportedly settled on former heavyweight champion Joshua, with the event in the closing stages of negotiations for a December bout in Miami.
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Paul’s last fight was a unanimous decision victory over Julio Chavez Jr earlier this year.
The 28-year-old American previously defeated Mike Tyson, 59, last November.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, was vague about the former champion’s next fight earlier this week.
“We will make a decision this week on Anthony’s next fight. If he fights this year, you probably won’t even hear about it, unless it’s Jake Paul,” the Matchroom Boxing chief stated.
Jake Paul gathers himself between rounds during his loss to Tommy Fury in 2023. Getty
For Joshua, the bout would mark his return following thirteen months away from the ring.
The British fighter has remained inactive since suffering defeat to compatriot Daniel Dubois last year.
If the match up goes ahead, Paul will need to bulk up.
He typically competes around 199lbs (90kgs), while Joshua tipped the scales at 252lbs (114kg) for his clash with Dubois.
The American fought at 220lbs (99kg) for his encounter with Tyson.
Anthony Joshua has not fought in 13 months. AAP
“Our team has worked closely with all parties to navigate this situation responsibly,” Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, said in a statement earlier this month after the removal of Davis from his exhibition bout with Paul.
“While we will not be moving forward with this event, our plan still remains for Jake Paul to headline an event on Netflix in 2025. Details regarding a new date, location, Jake’s opponent, and additional bouts will be shared as soon as they are finalised.
“We thank Netflix, the Kaseya Center, and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for their partnership.”
