Overview
- Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul is set for December 19 at Miami’s Kaseya Center as an eight-round professional bout with 10oz gloves, streamed globally on Netflix, with reports also citing a 245lb cap for Joshua and a widely reported purse near £140m.
- Former champion David Haye questioned the sanctioning of the contest and warned a compassionate referee may be needed, saying Joshua could inflict severe damage on Paul.
- Promoter Eddie Hearn said a Joshua loss would be disastrous for the sport, insisted the fight is a fully sanctioned contest with no prearranged outcome, and predicted a quick stoppage for Joshua.
- Ex-champion Andy Ruiz Jr advised Paul to target the right hand, while Paul, acknowledging Joshua’s size, forecast a fourth- or fifth-round knockout and said he is prepared to go to extreme lengths to win.
- Ryan Garcia said he turned down a $20m offer to fight Paul to pursue a title bout with Mario Barrios, as event promotion ramps up with MVP unveiling ring girls and launching a UK search for a third.