Britain’s former two-time unified heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua is set to face YouTube sensation-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a highly anticipated professional boxing match. The colossal confrontation, dubbed “Judgment Day,” will unfold at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, on Friday, December 19, with the main card commencing in the early hours of Saturday, December 20, for UK viewers. This unprecedented event marks a significant moment for the sport, as it will be exclusively streamed live globally on Netflix, bypassing traditional pay-per-view models.

The clash pits Paul, a burgeoning professional fighter with a 12-1 record, including seven knockouts, against the decorated Olympic gold medallist Joshua, whose record stands at 28-4 with 25 KOs. Joshua, a dominant force in heavyweight boxing for years, returns to the ring following his September 2024 defeat to Daniel Dubois, seeking to reaffirm his standing. This encounter represents a fusion of mainstream entertainment and elite-level boxing, drawing immense global attention.

Jake Paul, often labelled as boxing’s “biggest disruptor,” has consistently challenged the sport’s conventions since transitioning from online influencer to professional pugilist. During the pre-fight press conference, Paul confidently predicted the bout would be “the biggest upset in the history of sports,” citing disparities in skill, experience, and physical attributes. His bold pronouncements have generated considerable debate and heightened anticipation for the contest.

Anthony Joshua, in turn, expressed a sense of responsibility for what he termed the “purists of boxing,” acknowledging public scepticism about the matchup. He stated his participation aims to “put an end to ‘the Jake Paul show’,” suggesting a desire to defend the sport’s traditional integrity against its newer, more flamboyant entrants. This narrative adds a layer of ideological conflict to the physical showdown in the ring.

The bout is sanctioned as an official professional heavyweight encounter, adhering to standard boxing regulations. Fighters will compete over eight three-minute rounds, utilising 10oz gloves, ensuring a legitimate contest rather than an exhibition. While Paul typically competes at cruiserweight, this move to heavyweight against Joshua signifies a considerable step up in competition, further amplifying the stakes.

Netflix’s exclusive broadcast marks a pivotal shift in how major boxing events are delivered to audiences worldwide. Subscribers to the streaming service can access the fight without additional pay-per-view fees, a departure from traditional boxing revenue models. For those without an existing subscription, various telecommunication providers, including Sky and Virgin Media in the UK, offer bundles that incorporate Netflix access, though these often entail contractual commitments.

The streaming giant has assembled a star-studded broadcast team to cover the event. Kate Scott will anchor the main presentation, supported by a panel of desk analysts featuring boxing legends Lennox Lewis, Laila Ali, and Andre Ward. Ringside commentary will be led by Mauro Ranallo, with expert analysis provided by former world champion David Haye and Crystina Poncher, promising comprehensive coverage for viewers.

Beyond the headline act, the “Judgment Day” card features a robust lineup of eight professional bouts, showcasing a diverse array of talent across multiple weight divisions. Notable matchups include former UFC champions Anderson Silva against Tyron Woodley in a cruiserweight clash, as well as significant women’s boxing bouts such as Alycia Baumgardner versus Leila Beaudoin and Caroline Dubois against Camila Panatta. The undercard ensures a full evening of high-stakes boxing before the main event.

The main card is scheduled to begin at 1:00 AM GMT on Saturday, December 20, with the highly anticipated ring walks for Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul expected around 3:30 AM GMT. Fans in Miami will experience the event on the evening of December 19, allowing for prime-time viewing across various international time zones. This strategic scheduling aims to maximise global viewership on the Netflix platform.

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Keywords: Anthony Joshua, Jake Paul, Heavyweight boxing, Netflix boxing, Miami Kaseya Center, Boxing Judgment Day, AJ vs Jake Paul fight, Professional boxing match