Overview
- Fight night is Friday, December 19 at Miami’s Kaseya Center, streaming globally on Netflix, with UK ringwalks expected around 3:30am Saturday.
- The contest counts on both records with knockouts allowed, is sanctioned by the Florida Athletic Commission, and is set for eight three-minute rounds in 10oz gloves; there is no rehydration clause for Joshua after the 245lb day-before limit.
- A stacked undercard features four women’s world title fights, including Alycia Baumgardner vs Leila Beaudoin, plus Caroline Dubois, Cherneka Johnson and Yokasta Valle title defenses, and Anderson Silva vs Tyron Woodley.
- Bookmakers have Joshua as a heavy favorite (e.g., FanDuel lists him around -1300), while Paul vows to deliver what he calls the sport’s “biggest upset.”
- Promoter Eddie Hearn rejects claims the event is ‘scripted’ as both illegal and untrue, as figures like David Haye voice safety concerns about the matchup’s competitiveness.