Anthony Joshua is set to step back into the spotlight tonight as he takes on YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in one of the most talked-about fights of the year, live on Netflix.
The former heavyweight world champion has agreed to a blockbuster payday to face the controversial influencer in Miami, with the bout already dividing fans across the boxing world. While some see it as a mismatch, others are tuning in purely for the chaos factor.
Unlike many celebrity crossover bouts, this fight is not an exhibition.
The contest has been officially sanctioned as a professional heavyweight bout, meaning the result will go on both fighters’ professional records. That detail alone has added fuel to the debate surrounding the matchup, with critics questioning whether the fight should be happening at all – and supporters arguing that Paul has earned the right through previous wins.
Are knockouts allowed in Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua?
Yes – knockouts are fully permitted, according to SunSport.
There are no safety clauses preventing a stoppage, and Joshua has made it very clear that he’s not planning on taking things lightly. The British star has promised an aggressive approach, telling fans he’s ready to end the fight quickly.
“Jake or anyone can get this work, no mercy,” Joshua said ahead of the bout. “I’m about to break the internet over Jake Paul’s face.”
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has also dismissed any suggestion that the fight could be staged or controlled behind the scenes. Addressing conspiracy theories online, Hearn stressed that fixing a professional fight would be illegal.
“This is a professional contest,” Hearn said. “You can’t have agreements about how a fight is going to go; that’s fixing. As soon as Jake Paul gets hit clean on the chin, the fight’s over.”
Special rules revealed for controversial bout
While the fight is professional, there are several rule tweaks that separate it from a standard heavyweight clash.
The bout will be contested over eight rounds, rather than the usual 10 or 12, with each round lasting three minutes. Fighters will wear 10oz gloves, which offer more padding than standard heavyweight gloves – a detail that has raised eyebrows among purists.
Joshua also faces a weight restriction. He cannot weigh more than 245lbs on fight night, and there is no rehydration clause in place, meaning fighters are free to regain weight after the weigh-in, the BBC writes.
What’s at stake tonight?
For Joshua, the fight represents a chance to remind the world of his knockout power while banking a massive payday. For Paul, it’s the biggest test of his boxing career, and potentially the moment that silences his critics or proves them right.
Either way, all eyes will be on Miami tonight as two very different worlds collide inside the ring.