Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will return to the ring on December 19 in Miami, where he will take on YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in an eight-round professional bout.

The fight, set for the Kaseya Center in Florida, will be contested over three-minute rounds with 10-ounce gloves. The matchup comes after Paul’s previously scheduled fight with Gervonta Davis was scrapped earlier this month following Davis’ involvement in a civil lawsuit.

Paul, who has repeatedly pushed for recognition as a legitimate contender, framed the bout as a defining moment in his career.

“This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day,” Paul said. “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.

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.”

For Joshua, the bout marks his first appearance since suffering a knockout defeat against Daniel Dubois in their IBF title clash in September 2024. The 2012 Olympic gold medalist subsequently underwent elbow surgery, with promoter Eddie Hearn vowing he would return before the end of 2025.

Joshua said he is ready to step back into the spotlight:

“I took some time out and I’m coming back with a mega show,” he said. “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.

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.”

The bout will stream live worldwide on Netflix, continuing the platform’s push into live sports broadcasting.