Size and experience make Anthony Joshua the likely favourite for Friday’s “Judgment Day” in Miami; punters should expect short Joshua moneyline odds and consider AJ KO or early-round props, while backing Jake Paul is a high-risk upset play better suited to long-shot or live-betting strategies.
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: “Judgment Day” — Fight Preview
Jake Paul steps into a huge heavyweight test against two-time world champion Anthony Joshua in a shock late-notice main event billed as “Judgment Day.” The bout pits a media-savvy, fast-rising crossover star against an experienced, physically imposing former champion, raising major interest — and big betting implications — ahead of the Miami showdown.
When and where
The event takes place Friday, December 19, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. The card is scheduled to start at 8pm ET.
Broadcast and streaming
The fight will be broadcast by Netflix.
Full card highlights
MAIN EVENT: Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua Co-main event: Alycia Baumgardner vs Leila Beaudoin — WBA, IBF and WBO super-featherweight title fight Caroline Dubois vs Camila Panatta — WBC lightweight title fight Cherneka Johnson vs Amanda Galle — Bantamweight world title fight (undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO) Yokasta Valle vs Yadira Bustillos — WBC minimum-weight title fight Anderson Silva vs Tyron Woodley — 195lbs catchweight Avious Griffin vs Justin Cardona — welterweight Keno Marley vs Diarra Davis Jr — cruiserweight
Match rules and weight limits
The bout is sanctioned as a professional heavyweight contest contested over eight three-minute rounds. Knockouts are permitted. Fighters will use 10oz gloves. Anthony Joshua cannot weigh above 245lbs for the contest; there is no rehydration clause.
Pay and stakes
The announced prize pot is £100 million ($132m), to be split equally between the two fighters. Beyond the purse, the winner gains major crossover momentum and potential future world-title opportunities.
Context and fighter form
Jake Paul arrives with a 12-1 professional record and a string of high-profile crossover wins, though many of his recent names were past their primes at the time they met Paul. He had been slated to face lightweight champion Gervonta Davis on November 14, a fight cancelled amid civil legal issues involving Paul. Anthony Joshua, a former unified heavyweight champion, carries elite-level victories over Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker and a stoppage over Francis Ngannou, with two high-profile losses to Oleksandr Usyk (including one close split decision). Standing at roughly 6ft 6in and around 18 stone, Joshua’s size advantage over the 6ft1in Paul is stark and central to tactical expectations.
What the fighters say
Jake Paul: “This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day. When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears.” Anthony Joshua: “Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy. I’m coming back with a mega show. You’ll see a lot more fighters take these opportunities in the future.”
Betting implications and tips
Joshua’s size, experience and proven power make him the likely favourite; expect bookmakers to open short moneyline odds for AJ and to offer attractive knockout and early-round KO props. Punters who favour risk can look at long-shot Paul upset markets or round-by-round props, but these carry high variance. In-play strategies could reward bettors who monitor early tempo — a dominant AJ start may push KO markets into favourable territory, while a cautious opening could make rounds or decision markets more attractive. Always stake responsibly and check live odds before committing.
What to watch in the ring
Watch whether Joshua exploits the size differential with straight power and distance control, and whether Paul’s movement, unconventional angles and countering can neutralize AJ’s length. Early round dynamics should indicate whether the fight drifts toward a quick finish or a tactical eight-round affair.
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JAKE PAUL is fighting Anthony Joshua in a blockbuster bout THIS FRIDAY in Miami - and it is not to be missed! The British two-time heavyweight champion takes on the YouTuber-turned-boxer in a highly controversial clash. Paul was set to fight lightweight world champion Gervonta Davis on November 14 but it was cancelled after a...
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