Overview
- Multiple outlets report Paul and Joshua are close to a deal for a December bout in Miami, with Netflix expected to stream and an official date still to be confirmed.
- The matchup emerged after Paul's Nov. 14 exhibition with Gervonta Davis was scrapped following a civil lawsuit and a related police inquiry into allegations against Davis.
- Promoter Eddie Hearn and Paul's partner Nakisa Bidarian have signaled the bout is being pursued under standard professional Queensberry rules rather than as an exhibition.
- Reporting highlights a significant size gap, with Joshua around 252 pounds in recent fights and Paul typically between about 199 and 227, prompting questions about weight terms and safety.
- Joshua has been inactive since a fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, while Paul most recently beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in June in what would be a major step up in opposition.