Two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is on weight for his upcoming fight with Jake Paul, just two weeks away in Miami. Fans eagerly await the December 19 bout, which promises high drama due to the size and experience gap between the fighters.
Joshua Confirms Weight Ahead of Fight
Joshua, 36, cannot exceed 17st 7lb (111kg) for the contest. Posting a video on social media, he showed he weighed 110.6kg, confirming he is on track. “They must have forgot. I’m used to dealing with big weights and scales,” Joshua said confidently.
This weight check ensures the fight remains official and within heavyweight limits. In contrast, 28-year-old Jake Paul usually competes at cruiserweight, giving Joshua a significant advantage.
Negotiations and Weight Details
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, revealed that Paul’s team initially requested Joshua weigh even less before agreeing on the 17st 7lb limit. Traditionally, heavyweight fighters do not cut weight. For context, Paul weighed 16st 3lb (103kg) in his fight against Mike Tyson last year.
Both fighters will use regulation 10oz gloves for the contest, ensuring fair play according to boxing rules.
Expert Opinions: Usyk Sounds Warning
Former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk expressed concern for Paul, citing the size and experience difference. “If Anthony Joshua wants, he will kill this guy,” Usyk told Boxing Scene. “Joshua is an Olympic champion first. Jake Paul is a sportsman, a YouTuber, a showman. Joshua is Rolls-Royce; Jake is a Fiat.”
Usyk added that he will pray for Paul but believes Joshua’s skill and height advantage make him the clear favorite. There is a 52lb difference between their last recorded fight weights, and Joshua also has a five-inch height edge.
Jake Paul’s Record and Challenge
Paul holds a 12-1 professional record, built mostly against limited or faded opposition. His only defeat came against Tommy Fury in 2023. Despite this, the bout has drawn significant attention due to Joshua’s credentials and Paul’s popularity as a YouTuber-turned-boxer.
Fans can expect a high-stakes, high-energy fight that could define both fighters’ careers in 2025.
