It’s official, Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul is a done deal. The professional bout will take place at the Kaseye Centre in Miami, Florida, on Friday, 19th December, and will be streamed worldwide on Netflix.

It’s only been a matter of hours since the fight announcement, and I can already see the outrage from boxing pundits and purists all over social media. ‘Joke’ and a ‘circus’, the bout has been branded, but there are many reasons why Joshua — Paul will eventually win over the masses.

From Deji to Iron Mike: Paul brings eyeballs

There’s no disputing that Jake Paul’s path to fighting a two-time heavyweight champion has been anything but conventional. The former Disney star entered the sport via ‘influencer boxing’ when he faced Deji Olatunji on the undercard of his brother’s main event, KSI — Logan Paul. Since he has gone on to fight, former basketball players, MMA fighters and most notably Iron Mike Tyson.

Unsurprisingly, Jake’s fight with 59-year-old Mike brought out similar emotions and controversy to those we are seeing today. Mike Tyson was renowned for being the most feared heavyweight of his generation, but with a 31-year age gap, the odds were always in Paul’s corner.

The contest was originally sanctioned as a professional boxing match by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, and scheduled for 20th July 2024; however, it was postponed to November due to a stomach ulcer Tyson endured during the build-up. More health concerns were raised when 14-ounce gloves were issued instead of the standard pro-heavyweight of 10-ounce. The rounds were shortened to eight, with each round being two minutes instead of the traditional three.

Paul won unanimously by decision, and Tyson’s limited athleticism was for all to see; nevertheless, the fight brought in huge numbers. The bout was the most-streamed sporting event ever, with 108 million total live viewers around the world. The reported gate revenue was $18 million, a combat sport record outside of Las Vegas, with reports that Tyson made $20 million and Paul made $40 million. There is no doubt that the event was a financial success, and I can categorically claim that Joshua — Paul will be even bigger, better and even more profitable for all involved.

High stakes: Jeopardy for Paul AND Joshua

Honestly, I think Jake Paul is a much braver man than I’ll ever be. You only have to watch AJ’s shocking knockout of Francis Ngannou once for your stomach to turn. Heavyweight boxing is a big boy’s game, and there will be nowhere for the YouTuber turned cruiserweight to hide.

Joshua most recently weighed in to face Daniel Dubois at 252 pounds. Paul, meanwhile, was 227 pounds when he faced Tyson. There is also a very stark height difference: Joshua stands at 6 feet 6 inches, whereas Paul is 6 feet 1 inch. To combat this extreme natural advantage, a 245-pound weight limit has been introduced, but in reality, Joshua, in 10-ounce gloves with a weight limit or not, is a terrifying prospect for a newcomer at this level.

There will be significant jeopardy for Jake Paul in this fight compared to his last thirteen. Except there will be even more jeopardy for Anthony Joshua. Joshua has four professional losses throughout his career, but two of those in particular have come from brutal stoppages by Andy Ruiz and Daniel Dubois. There are many question marks around his lack of head movement, which makes his chin particularly vulnerable.

Andy Ruiz famously knocked Joshua down four times in their first fight in 2019. At 6 feet 2 inches, Ruiz is a fighter with similar attributes to Paul. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if Paul tries his best to get inside, make this ugly and replicate the Mexican’s shock result. In reality, this fight is a total mismatch, but in boxing, particularly heavyweight boxing, there’s always a puncher’s chance regardless of the odds.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has announced that this bout will mark the start of a run at a third world title for Joshua, but a loss would almost certainly end his career and turn him into a laughing stock.

Goodbye PPVs, Hello Netflix

Netflix first started streaming live events in March 2023, when comedian Chris Rock performed his stand-up special, Selective Outrage. Since then, Netflix has stepped into the realm of sport and hasn’t looked back. The subscription-based streaming service has featured NFL Christmas Day games, WWE Monday Night Raw events and even competitive eating competitions.

The big positive of Netflix’s streamed events? No, additional PPV payment is required. The competition or matchup is covered at a subscription price of £5.99 a month. The sporting events are available live and on replay, making these accessible to the masses and much more appealing to the casual fan, which is exactly the market that Joshua — Paul is aimed at.

It’s Christmas time!

Another critical factor is that the bout is scheduled during the most wonderful time of the year. For many in the education sector and those fortunate enough around the globe, this event will take place as the Christmas holidays begin.

There’s just something about Christmas sporting events, the Qatar World Cup, The Ashes down under and the Darts World Championships, it’s electric. Being surrounded by friends and family, the long dark, cosy nights and the Christmas cheer, the want and need for sport will be at an all-time high. Regardless of the outcome, children and adults around the world will be immersing themselves in the art of boxing. With the blend of entertainment and competitive sport, boxing gyms will become a new home for the many, not the few.

So, many purists may turn their noses up at this event, and that’s completely fair. But whether you like it or not, Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul will be an unprecedented spectacle that you will not be able to keep your eyes off.