The pair go head-to-head for the first time on Friday for an officially sanctioned clash that is being streamed worldwide on Netflix.
He stepped in to fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, 28, after the American’s match-up with reigning WBA lightweight champion Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis was cancelled at short notice last month.
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua rules explained
Joshua is currently 28-4 with 25 knockouts, his defeats to date coming against Dubois, Oleksandr Usyk and Andy Ruiz Jr.
Jake Paul is interviewed during the fighter showcase at LIV Nightclub at Fontainebleau Miami on December 16
Getty Images for Netflix
This week’s contest is scheduled for eight three-minute rounds, making it shorter than most main-event men’s boxing matches.
Knockouts are allowed, with Joshua promising “no mercy” as he aims to “break the internet over Jake Paul’s face.”
Each boxer will wear 10oz gloves, as is standard for a sanctioned heavyweight fight, with the main reported stipulation regarding weight.
Per the terms of the contract, Joshua cannot weigh more than 245lbs (111kg) on the day of the weigh-in, which is scheduled for 11pm UK time on Thursday. However, there is no rehydration clause in place, meaning there is no weight restriction on fight night itself.
- Eight three-minute rounds
- Contested at heavyweight
- Maximum weigh-in at 245lbs (111kg)
- No rehydration clause
- Both boxers wear 10oz gloves
- Knockouts are permitted
At what weights have Paul and Joshua fought previously?
Paul, who stands at 6ft 1in with a 76in reach, has fought most of his career at cruiserweight (under 200lbs, or 90.7kg). His previous heaviest weigh-in was 228.4 pounds (103.6kg) ahead of the Tyson fight, a little over a year ago.
Joshua, meanwhile, is 6ft 6in tall with an 82in reach and weighed 252.5lbs (114.5kg) for his last fight, against Dubois in September 2024.
Anthony Joshua during the fighter showcase and open workout on December 16
Getty Images for Netflix
The Briton was the same weight against Francis Ngannou earlier that year and in 2023 weighed in at 251lbs (113.9kg) against Otto Wallin, 250lbs (113.4kg) against Robert Helenius and a career-high 255.4lbs (115.8kg) against Jermaine Franklin.
In fact, he has not tipped the scales at less than 245lbs since weighing 244lbs (110.7kg) for his rematch defeat by Usyk in August 2022, having put on four pounds following his initial loss to the same opponent in London 13 months prior.
However, in a video posted to social media earlier this month, Joshua showed he was on track to make the weight as he stepped on the scales at 243.8lbs (110.6kg).
