Jake Paul, who was supposed to have been boxing Gervonta Davis over the weekend before the match was canceled, has lined up another Netflix fight before the end of the year.
Paul is set to face Britain’s two-time unified heavyweight world champion and Olympic Gold medalist Anthony Joshua.
The fight – Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day – will take place on December 19 in Miami, Florida and will air live on Netflix. The fight will consist of eight, three-minute rounds with 10oz gloves.
While Paul has previously fought former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, the Joshua fight marks Paul’s biggest test as a boxer. Paul has had 13 fights and won 12, only losing to former Love Island contestant Tommy Fury. Joshua has had 32 total fights with 28 wins including 25 by KO.
The fight, organized by Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, is the former YouTuber’s second live event on Netflix. His fight against Gervonta Davis was canceled after the latter became embroiled in a civil lawsuit where he was accused of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The decision comes days after Davis was accused in a civil lawsuit filed by ex-girlfriend Courtney Rossel of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
“This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day,” said Paul. “A professional heavyweight fight against an elite world champion in his prime. When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears, and no one can deny me the opportunity to fight for a world title. To all my haters, this is what you wanted. To the people of the United Kingdom, I am sorry. On Friday, December 19, under the lights in Miami, live globally only on Netflix, the torch gets passed and Britain’s Goliath gets put to sleep.”
“Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy,” said Joshua. “I took some time out and I’m coming back with a mega show. 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 whilst keeping cool, calm and collected. Mark my words, you’ll see a lot more fighters take these opportunities in the future. I’m about to break the internet over Jake Paul’s face.”
“Anthony Joshua is one of the most formidable and decorated heavyweights in the world – the ultimate test for any fighter,” added Gabe Spitzer, VP, Sports, Netflix. “We have immense respect for Jake Paul’s decision to take this challenge; it demonstrates the fearless ambition he has for his career. This is exactly why Netflix is in the live business: we love taking big swings and delivering the biggest, must-watch cultural spectacles.”
