STWF Sports| (November 13, 2025) — In a potential crossover spectacle that could shatter boxing’s streaming records, reports suggest that Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul are close to finalizing a deal to face each other in a heavyweight showdown this December in Miami, broadcast exclusively on Netflix.

According to Ring Magazine’s Mike Coppinger, both camps are “finalizing terms” for what would be one of the most unexpected but commercially explosive fights of the year — pitting one of boxing’s most decorated heavyweights against the sport’s most polarizing social media star.

From Talk to Terms: How the Deal Took Shape

Initial discussions between Joshua and Paul were believed to center on a potential fight in 2026, but negotiations accelerated following the cancellation of Paul’s planned exhibition against Gervonta Davis. That bout was scrapped amid Davis’s ongoing civil lawsuit, which includes allegations of battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and emotional distress.

With Davis out of the picture, Paul’s team quickly pivoted toward a list of high-profile alternatives. Sources indicate that approaches were made to Ryan Garcia, Terence Crawford, Andre Ward, Francis Ngannou, and Nate Diaz — but Joshua, the two-time unified heavyweight world champion, emerged as the top choice.

The proposed bout, which would take place at a 220-pound catchweight, is expected to headline Netflix’s year-end boxing event — the streaming platform’s latest foray into live sports entertainment.

A Clash of Eras — and Audiences

Should the deal be finalized, the fight would represent a dramatic convergence of mainstream boxing and digital-era celebrity combat sports.

For Anthony Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs), the matchup would mark an unconventional but lucrative detour late in his career. The 36-year-old British powerhouse is coming off back-to-back knockout victories over Zhilei Zhang and Deontay Wilder, which reignited his ambitions for another world title run.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has previously teased that “big entertainment fights” could accompany Joshua’s final years in the ring, and the Netflix event would fit that billing perfectly.

Jake Paul (10-1, 8 KOs), meanwhile, has evolved from YouTube provocateur to legitimate boxing draw. He has recorded wins over the likes of Nate Diaz and Tommy Fury, and his Most Valuable Promotions brand has successfully blended influencer marketing with boxing promotion.

For Paul, stepping into the ring against a bona fide heavyweight champion like Joshua represents both his riskiest challenge and his biggest payday yet.

“Jake’s never shied away from daring to be great,” one source close to his camp told Ring Magazine. “This fight is about legacy, not just numbers. He wants to show the world he belongs in the same conversation as real fighters.”

Potential Impact and Reaction

The news has divided the boxing community. Traditionalists view the fight as a sideshow — a spectacle designed for streaming clicks rather than sporting credibility. Yet others see it as an inevitable evolution of boxing’s entertainment model.

Industry insiders predict the matchup could generate one of the highest pay-per-view-style streaming figures in Netflix history, especially with its global reach and cross-generational appeal.

“This is boxing in 2025,” one promoter said anonymously. “Joshua brings legitimacy, Jake brings eyeballs — and Netflix brings the money. It’s a perfect storm.”

Still, there are concerns about the competitive nature of the bout. Joshua, a career heavyweight with Olympic gold and multiple world titles, would enjoy overwhelming physical advantages in power, size, and experience.

What Comes Next

While both sides are reportedly “within days” of finalizing contracts, the fight has yet to be officially confirmed. If agreed, the event would cap off a blockbuster year for Netflix’s expanding sports slate, which has already included documentary deals with Formula 1, the NFL, and the ATP.

Joshua’s team is expected to make an announcement within the next two weeks, while Paul has already hinted at “massive news” coming soon via his social media platforms.

If the deal crosses the finish line, Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul won’t just be a fight — it’ll be a collision between two eras of boxing: one built on championship legacy, and the other powered by digital disruption.

And in 2025, that might be the perfect mix to set the boxing world — and the internet — on fire.