Jake Paul to Face Anthony Joshua After Gervonta Davis Fight Falls Through

YouTube star Jake Paul will now face former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in a high-profile boxing match scheduled for December 19, 2024, at Miami’s Kaseya Center. This unexpected matchup comes after Paul’s planned fight against Gervonta Davis was cancelled due to serious legal issues facing Davis, who was accused of battery by an ex-girlfriend.

The cancellation of the fight with Davis was confirmed by The New York Times, which reported that Paul’s promotional company, Most Valuable Promotions, swiftly moved to secure the bout with Joshua. CEO Nakisa Bidarian stated, “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.” Fans who purchased tickets for the Davis fight will receive automatic refunds through Ticketmaster and are encouraged to check resale platforms for further financial recovery.

This upcoming clash is particularly significant for Paul, who holds a professional record of 12 wins and 1 loss. His recent victory over Julio César Chávez Jr. showcased his growing boxing skills, but facing Joshua is a different challenge altogether. The British boxer, a two-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist, is eager to return to form after suffering a loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.

Paul expressed his determination in a recent interview, declaring, “This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day.” He views this fight as an opportunity to cement his status in the boxing world, which has often questioned his legitimacy as a fighter.

Joshua, on the other hand, is looking to make a strong comeback and has embraced the challenge against Paul. In a statement to NBC Miami, he said, “Jake or anyone can get this work,” emphasizing his readiness to compete and entertain. He aims to “do massive numbers, have big fights and break every record whilst keeping cool, calm and collected.”

The fight is set for eight three-minute rounds and will be live-streamed on Netflix, indicating a significant investment in the event’s visibility. Both fighters have promised an exciting showdown that could generate considerable attention and potentially reshape their careers in the world of boxing.

As the date approaches, anticipation grows for what this unique matchup will bring to the sport. It promises not only to be an entertaining spectacle but also a pivotal moment for both Paul and Joshua as they navigate their respective paths in boxing.