A marquee fight in boxing betting is set for Friday, December 19, 2025 in Miami, Florida where global superstar Jake Paul (12–1, 7 KOs) steps into the ring for the biggest challenge of his career against former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (28–4, 25 KOs). The two meet in an 8-round heavyweight bout that blends spectacle with genuine competitive intrigue.
Paul enters riding a six-fight winning streak and growing technical maturity, while Joshua looks to rebound from a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois over a year ago. This matchup pits Paul’s evolving skill set and athletic confidence against Joshua’s size, power, and championship pedigree.
Fans should expect a high-stakes clash of styles: Paul’s timing, counters, and improving fundamentals versus Joshua’s physicality, jab, and explosive finishing ability.
Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Fight Preview
Jake Paul, age 28, continues his rapid ascent through the boxing world with a blend of athleticism, discipline, and surprising adaptability. At 6’1” with a 76-inch reach, Paul has developed a sharp right hand, improved footwork, and a patient approach built around counterpunching and selective pressure.
His recent wins, including decisions over Julio César Chávez Jr. and Mike Tyson, and knockouts of Mike Perry and Andre August, highlight his ability to manage distance, stay composed, and capitalize on openings.
Paul’s biggest vulnerability remains his lack of experience against elite heavyweight power and size. Against a physically imposing opponent like Joshua, he must avoid extended exchanges and maintain defensive responsibility throughout.
Anthony Joshua, age 36, brings elite heavyweight credentials and one of the most dangerous offensive arsenals in the sport. Standing 6’6” with an 82-inch reach, Joshua combines a stiff jab, explosive combinations, and fight-ending power in both hands.
His victories over Francis Ngannou, Otto Wallin, Robert Helenius, and Jermaine Franklin showcased his ability to control range, apply pressure, and finish with authority. However, Joshua’s recent knockout loss to Daniel Dubois exposed defensive lapses and moments of hesitation under fire.
His challenge in this matchup is to impose his physical advantages early, avoid giving Paul confidence, and prevent the fight from settling into a slower, tactical rhythm that favors the underdog. This matchup becomes a test of Paul’s composure, timing, and mobility versus Joshua’s size, power, and championship experience — a classic rising star vs. established powerhouse dynamic.
Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Predictions
Boxing betting odds have Joshua listed as a big favorite. Expect Joshua to start fast, using his jab and physicality to push Paul backward and force exchanges that test the challenger’s durability. Paul typically performs best when he can dictate tempo and counter cleanly, but Joshua’s reach and power present a level of danger he has never faced. Paul’s best path is to stay mobile, avoid the ropes, and look for counter opportunities as Joshua steps in.
If he can extend the fight into the later rounds and frustrate Joshua with movement and timing, the bout becomes more competitive. Joshua’s experience against top-tier heavyweights, and his ability to close distance with authority gives him a significant edge over eight rounds.
The prediction leans toward Joshua by stoppage, with Paul showing resilience early before Joshua’s power and pressure take over.
Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Betting Tips
- Moneyline: Joshua enters as a big favorite in boxing odds, with Paul offering sizable underdog value for bettors willing to take a long-shot position.
- Method of Victory: Joshua by knockout is the most reliable angle. His power advantage is substantial, and Paul has never faced a puncher of this caliber.
- Props: The fight not going the distance is the most likely scenario. Joshua by stoppage is also a popular play.
- Rounds & Totals: With the total round at 2.5 rounds, the over is favored due to Paul’s durability and Joshua’s measured approach.
Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Key Stats & Tale of the Tape
- Jake Paul: 12-1 (7 KOs), age 28, height 6’1”, reach 76”, orthodox. Athletic counterpuncher with improving fundamentals and timing.
- Anthony Joshua: 28-4 (25 KOs), age 36, height 6’6”, reach 82”, orthodox. Former unified champion with elite power, jab, and finishing ability.
- Records & Form: Paul riding a six-fight winning streak; Joshua looking to rebound from a knockout loss.
- Physical Edge: Joshua owns major advantages in height, reach, and heavyweight experience; Paul counters with youth, speed, and mobility.
- Venue & Broadcast: Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida -Netflix]
The tale of the tape highlights a dramatic contrast: Paul’s developing skill and confidence against Joshua’s proven power and championship pedigree. It’s a compelling matchup, but the edges tilt toward Joshua’s size, experience, and ability to control the fight’s terms.