Overview
- The bout is a professionally sanctioned heavyweight contest at Miami’s Kaseya Center featuring eight three‑minute rounds with 10‑ounce gloves, with promoters reporting a 245 lb limit for Anthony Joshua.
- After a Miami press event highlighted the size gap, bookmakers installed Joshua as a heavy favorite and pundits questioned Jake Paul’s chances of lasting the distance.
- MVP co‑founder Nakisa Bidarian publicly disputed Dana White’s claim of being unaware of the switch, asserting TKO was informed and alleging UFC pressure on potential opponents.
- Francis Ngannou declined an approach, calling the matchup nonsensical, while UFC champion Alex Pereira said he could not participate due to his UFC contract.
- Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn said Paul’s camp asked Joshua to come down in weight to reduce the perceived mismatch, a request agreed in principle as part of the finalized terms.