STWF Sports | Dec. 18, 2025 – Anthony Joshua has officially made weight for his highly anticipated heavyweight clash against Jake Paul, clearing the final hurdle before Friday night’s spectacle in Miami. The two-time unified world champion tipped the scales at 243.4 pounds on Thursday evening, comfortably under the contractually mandated limit of 245 pounds — a clause inserted specifically to narrow the physical gap between the British powerhouse and his YouTuber-turned-fighter opponent.
While heavyweight boxing traditionally has no upper limit, the bespoke weight cap was a strategic stipulation designed to level the playing field for Paul, who has spent nearly his entire professional career campaigning at cruiserweight (200 pounds).
Joshua Comes in Lightest Since First Usyk Fight
Joshua’s weight marks his lightest since September 2021, when he weighed 240 pounds ahead of his first meeting with Oleksandr Usyk. It’s also a notable drop of nine pounds from his most recent outing against Daniel Dubois in 2024 — a fight that ended in a crushing fifth-round knockout defeat.
His noticeably leaner frame reflects what his camp has described as a renewed focus on speed, fluidity, and endurance as Joshua looks to rebound from last year’s setback. Arriving nearly two pounds under the agreed limit, Joshua appeared relaxed but laser-focused when he finally arrived after delaying the weigh-in, keeping members of the media waiting until just before 6pm GMT.
Paul Comes in at 216.6lbs — and Brings the Theatrics
Jake Paul, meanwhile, weighed in at 216.6 pounds — more than 26 pounds lighter than Joshua and 10 pounds lighter than his only previous heavyweight fight against Mike Tyson in 2024. Despite the significant weight disparity, Paul showed no signs of intimidation, instead stepping onto the scale with WWE-inspired bravado.
“I’m absolutely dialled!” Paul roared in his best Hulk Hogan impression. “You listen to me, brother — when the bell rings, I’m coming in there, and I’m coming in on his a**.”
The 28-year-old confirmed this week that his attire on fight night will be a tribute to Hogan, who passed away earlier in the year. Paul’s continued embrace of professional wrestling theatrics has been a centerpiece of his promotional strategy, though even he admits that he will need to rely on movement and strategy to survive against one of the era’s most imposing heavyweights.
Size Difference Stark as Fighters Go Face to Face
The gulf in physicality was on full display during Wednesday’s final press conference. Joshua towered over Paul, looking down with the poise of a seasoned Olympian while the American attempted to project defiance. Most observers agree that Paul will need a near-perfect performance — and plenty of footwork — to avoid being overwhelmed.
He’ll have a slightly larger ring to operate in. Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed the bout will be contested inside a 22-by-22-foot ring, larger than the typical 20-foot surface used in many professional fights.
“That’s accurate — pretty standard,” Paul added. “I feel great about it.”
The extra real estate could prove crucial for Paul, who is expected to circle, jab, and evade in hopes of extending the fight long enough to test Joshua’s stamina and decision-making.
Ringwalk Set for 3:30am GMT
The main event ringwalks are scheduled for approximately 3:30am GMT, though delays remain possible due to an undercard that includes Anderson Silva vs. Tyron Woodley — a rematch between two UFC legends.
Joshua enters the Netflix-streamed bout as a massive betting favorite, with most analysts predicting a short night. But in a sport defined by both chaos and opportunity, Paul remains confident he can shock the world.
Whether he truly believes that — or whether it’s simply more promotional flair — will be revealed under Miami’s lights.
For now, both fighters have made weight, the stage is set, and heavyweight boxing’s most unlikely matchup is officially ready to go.
