Joshua Races to Meet Weight Limit Ahead of High‑Stakes Fight With Jake Paul

Anthony Joshua is facing a tough weight challenge as he prepares for his highly publicized showdown with YouTuber‑turned‑boxer Jake Paul. The boxing world was stunned earlier this month when news broke that the two camps were close to sealing a deal for a Christmas clash.

Negotiations were finalized last week, setting the fight for December 19 in Miami. The bout is scheduled for eight three‑minute rounds, with both fighters wearing 10oz gloves. However, Joshua, 36, must not exceed 245lb on fight night. Currently around 265lb, he will need to shed about 20lb in less than three weeks to make the bout official.

Fans were surprised by the weight requirement for a heavyweight contest. Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, said the agreement came with a request from Paul’s team for Joshua to come in lighter since Paul is expected to weigh approximately 220lb. While Joshua has never had to cut weight as a heavyweight, he agreed after being told it would help level the playing field.

Despite the challenge, Joshua stands to earn big. Reports suggest a £140 million prize purse, with both fighters set to earn up to £70 million each. Joshua has also enlisted former rival Oleksandr Usyk as his trainer, signaling how seriously he is taking the matchup.

In their recent face‑off in Miami, Joshua’s size advantage was clear as he towered over Paul. Many observers expect a dominant performance from the former two‑time heavyweight champion, who has made it clear that he is aiming for a decisive finish, saying he intends to prove he is the superior fighter by ending the bout early.