Overview
- UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira told TMZ he cannot box Paul due to his UFC contract but called the matchup a real challenge and cited his boxing experience.
- Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian alleged Dana White falsely claimed he was unaware of Paul vs. Joshua and said UFC guidance discourages fighters from working with MVP.
- The Paul–Joshua bout is officially scheduled for December 19 at Miami’s Kaseya Center as a professionally sanctioned heavyweight fight over eight three‑minute rounds with Joshua capped at 245 pounds.
- Reaction from analysts has shifted, with UFC’s Michael Chiesa crediting Paul for a massive step up in opposition while still viewing him as a clear underdog given the size gap.
- Skepticism persists in boxing circles, with Ryan Garcia publicly doubting the fight will proceed, calling the size disadvantage too great after the fighters’ first faceoff.