It will be Paul’s 14th fight since turning pro five years ago – with the YouTuber-turned-boxer having won all but one so far.

That record includes beating legend Mike Tyson 12 months ago.

But now Paul, 28, faces a whole different kettle of fish – facing active two-time heavyweight world champion Joshua, 36.

The YouTube personality was due to fight last week but it was cancelled after his opponent, Gervonta Davis, was accused of domestic abuse by his ex-girlfriend.

And, after a series of unsuccessful attempts to get Paul back in the ring before the end of the year, Britain’s biggest boxing star has agreed to fill the void.

The unlikely bout is set to be shown on Netflix after the streaming giant made moves into the sport last year for Paul vs Tyson, drawing in more than 100million viewers.

Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul – all the info

A true Christmas miracle!

The world will stand still come December 19 as the face of British boxing Anthony Joshua is all set to go up against social media sensation Jake Paul.

AJ steps in on a month’s notice after Paul’s ‘David vs Goliath’ Gervonta Davis clash was axed due to Tank’s civil suit case.

And Joshua will be desperate not to suffer the same fate as legends Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr who both lost to YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul.

Particularly as a handsome figure was negotiated to get this Judgement Day deal over the line due to AJ’s DAZN contract.

DAZN are partners of both Paul and Joshua, which helped matters, but supporters are fearful about what they might see.

Joshua has agreed to a weight limit for the first time in his career but he will still come in five inches taller and around four stone heavier than his cruiserweight rival.

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And the pair will go toe-to-toe over eight three-minute rounds, wearing 10oz gloves.

That has led many fans to fear for Paul’s wellbeing.

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Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: All the information you need.

One user on X wrote: “This young boy is about to lose his life…”

Another added: “He might decapitate him”.

One went a step further, saying simply: “Legalised murder”.

The same topic was picked up on by someone else, who said: “We might witness a murder live on Netflix”.

Somebody else continued: “Guess this is Jake’s retirement fight, cause ain’t no way A.J. doesn’t end up killing him in that ring.”

Paul has been open about his ambitions to go head-to-head with the Brit, saying on his podcast: “I want to fight Anthony Joshua – exclusive – because I know I will f***ing beat Anthony Joshua’s ass.

“He doesn’t have a chin, and he has no skill and he’s stiff. I love you Anthony, we’e friends, all this s*** but I want to fight you.”

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The fight will take play in Florida, which has looser regulations compared to British boxingCredit: X @MatchroomBoxing
 

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AJ has not fought since September 2024Credit: Getty
The two have hit back at each other in a social media spat and Paul came out fighting after the announcement, saying:

“This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day.

“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.”

Joshua, 36, has been out of action since losing to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.

He has since has elbow surgery and will wear 10oz gloves for the clash with eight three-minute rounds.

There is a £100million prize pot and a weight limit of 245lbs, five heavier than the 250lbs Joshua has been over in his last five fights.