The fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua has been announced.
YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul will face off against former two-time unified world heavyweight champion Joshua in Miami on December 19, marking a jaw-dropping leap in competition for the social media star.
The match was confirmed by Netflix in a post which read: "Yes, it’s real. JAKE PAUL vs. ANTHONY JOSHUA. A career-defining pro heavyweight fight. LIVE only on Netflix Friday, December 19. #JakeJoshua."
Jake Paul announced that he will fight Anthony Joshua. Credit: Al Bello / Getty
The eight-round sanctioned fight will be fought at heavyweight with 10oz gloves.
Originally, 28-year-old Paul - who previously defeated Mike Tyson - was set to face lightweight champ Gervonta Davis, but that matchup was scrapped following a civil lawsuit filed against Davis.
Now, Joshua - the British professional boxer - steps in, and Paul couldn’t sound more ready for the challenge.
"This isn't an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day," Paul declared, per Sky Sports.
"A professional heavyweight fight against an elite world champion in his prime. When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears, and no one can deny me the opportunity to fight for a world title."
He didn’t hold back when addressing his critics, adding: "To all my haters, this is what you wanted.
"To the people of the United Kingdom, I am sorry. On Friday, December 19, under the lights in Miami, live globally only on Netflix, the torch gets passed and Britain's Goliath gets put to sleep."
Anthony Joshua hasn't fought since a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last September. Credit: James Chance / Getty
Joshua, who hasn’t fought since suffering a knockout loss to then IBF champion Daniel Dubois, made it clear he’s back with a vengeance.
"Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy," the 36-year-old said. "I took some time out and I'm coming back with a mega show.
"It's a big opportunity for me. Whether you like it or not, I'm here to do massive numbers, have big fights and break every record whilst keeping cool, calm and collected."
He concluded: "Mark my words, you'll see a lot more fighters take these opportunities in the future. I'm about to break the internet over Jake Paul's face."