The Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua heavyweight showdown is December 19th. This fight pit’s boxing’s biggest underdog against a knockout-punching machine. Joshua enters with a 28-4 record and devastating 89% knockout power. Paul brings youth and momentum on a 6-fight winning streak.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Fight Date: Friday, December 19, 2025 at Kaseya Center in Miami
- Joshua’s Record: 28-4 with 25 KOs (89% knockout rate vs. Paul’s 58%)
- Weight Limit: 245 lbs heavyweight bout with 10oz gloves
- Betting Odds: Joshua -1100 favorite; Paul +650 underdog
- Broadcast: Netflix live streaming exclusively
Head-to-Head Statistics & Recent Form
This is their first professional fight head-to-head. But the data tells a stark story. Joshua stands 6’6″ with an 82-inch reach and legitimate heavyweight credentials. He’s an Olympic gold medalist and two-time world champion.
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Paul is 6’1″ with 76-inch reach. He’s 28 years old versus Joshua’s 36. But age doesn’t matter when power differentials exist like this. Paul’s last 5 fights: unanimous decision over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (June 2025), decision win over Mike Tyson (November 2024), TKO victory vs. Mike Perry (July 2024).
Joshua’s recent activity: He’s been selective with opponents. His March 2024 knockout of Francis Ngannou proved he maintained devastating power even at age 35. Joshua hasn’t fought frequently, but stays lethal when he steps in the ring.
| Statistic | Jake Paul | Anthony Joshua |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Record | 12-1 (7 KOs) | 28-4 (25 KOs) |
| Knockout Rate | 58% | 89% |
| Current Streak | 6 Wins straight | Active and lethal |
| Height | 6’1″ | 6’6″ |
| Reach Advantage | 76 inches | 82 inches (6-inch advantage) |
| Age | 28 years old | 36 years old |
That 89% knockout rate is the headline stat for Joshua. It’s elite-level power. Paul’s 58% is solid for a YouTube-turned-boxer, but the gap is significant. Joshua has knocked out 25 opponents in 28 wins—that’s consistency.
Key Advantages: Joshua’s Power vs. Paul’s Activity
Joshua’s edge: The height difference, the 89% KO rate, and world championship experience. He’s fought elite heavyweight competition. Mike Tyson, Tyson Fury, and Oleksandr Usyk passed through his resume. This isn’t Joshua’s first rodeo.
Paul’s advantage: He’s 8 years younger. He’s been far more active in 2025. Paul fought twice this year while Joshua took more selective matchups. Youth. Velocity. Endurance. Paul doesn’t have Joshua’s power, but he brings relentless pressure.
Then there’s psychology. Paul predicted he’ll finish Joshua in the “fourth or fifth round” during press conferences. These mind games matter in boxing. Joshua remains calm and confident, but Paul’s aggression shouldn’t be underestimated.
Betting Market Analysis & Sharp Money
The betting market heavily favors Joshua. Opening odds had Joshua at -1100 (risk $1,100 to win $100), while Paul sat at +650 (risk $100 to win $650). Those numbers have widened since the fight announcement. Some sportsbooks now have Joshua at -2000 with Paul at +800.
A draw sits at +1800 odds. Sharp money backs Joshua, but there’s some value on Paul at these odds for bettors willing to bet the underdog. It depends on your model and prediction methodology. The fight goes 8 rounds of 3 minutes each using 10oz gloves—that’s important context.
This isn’t a 12-round heavyweight championship. Eight rounds is shorter. Paul could theoretically steal rounds early and frustrate Joshua. But Joshua’s power comes early in fights from the data available.
Statistical Prediction: Joshua Enters as Clear Favorite
Based on knockout rates, experience, reach advantage, and world championship pedigree, statistics favor Joshua decisively. His 89% KO rate suggests he’ll pressure Paul relentlessly. Paul’s 58% rate makes him vulnerable to that pressure.
However this fight goes, expect Joshua to dictate the pace physically. Paul will rely on youth and constant movement to stay ahead. The fight likely decides itself by round 4 or 5—either Joshua lands something that shuts down the fight, or Paul survives and proves the critics wrong.
Can Jake Paul shock the boxing world by hanging with a former heavyweight champion whose power is nearly unmatched? Or will Joshua remind everyone why devastating knockout power still wins fights?
Sources
- ESPN – Official fight announcement and records
- Netflix – Broadcast details and fighter statistics
- BoxRec & Box.Live – Professional boxing statistics and knockout rates
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.