STWF Sports|Nov. 17, 2025 – In another twist to one of the most polarizing heavyweight matchups in modern boxing, Jake Paul has enforced a strict weight cap on Anthony Joshua, limiting the former unified world champion to no more than 245 pounds for their December 19 showdown in Miami.

The fight — sanctioned as a full professional bout — will count on both men’s records, adding legitimacy to a spectacle many initially viewed as a celebrity-driven attraction. But Paul’s weight stipulation signals the YouTube-star-turned-contender is taking no chances in his biggest test to date.

Paul Levels the Playing Field

Jake Paul (12–1), a natural cruiserweight who has fought as light as 185 pounds, is giving up massive size to the 6-foot-6 Joshua, who has campaigned his entire career at heavyweight. Paul’s only previous bout above 200 pounds came last November against a 58-year-old Mike Tyson — a fight many criticized as mismatched from the start.

Joshua, meanwhile, has traditionally weighed between 240 and 255 pounds throughout his 28–4 career and remains one of the division’s most imposing physical forces.

By capping Joshua at 245 pounds, Paul ensures he won’t be facing the heaviest version of the former champion — a concession Joshua agreed to without protest.

Aside from the weight cap, all other elements are standard:

• Eight rounds

• Three minutes each

• 10-ounce gloves

• Fully regulated professional contest

A Sudden Shift After the Gervonta Davis Fallout

This mega-fight was never supposed to happen now.

Paul was originally scheduled to face WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis in an exhibition on November 14. But the event collapsed when Davis’ ex-girlfriend filed a civil lawsuit alleging aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

With Davis suddenly off the table, Paul’s adviser Nakisa Bidarian immediately contacted Eddie Hearn about Joshua’s availability. And given the £70 million purse — split equally — the decision for Joshua was simple.

He walked away from a planned fight with American heavyweight Cassius Chaney, pivoting toward the most lucrative payday of his career.

A Disrupted Undercard Looking for Stability

The collapse of the Davis exhibition also unraveled an entire undercard loaded with star power:

• Alycia Baumgardner vs. Leila Beaudoin (Unified Super Featherweight Titles)

• Gary Antuanne Russell vs. Andy Hiraoka (WBA Super Lightweight Title)

• Ellie Scotney vs. Mayeli Flores (Undisputed Super Bantamweight Title)

• Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman II (Legendary MMA rivals meeting in boxing)

While Paul’s team is scrambling to rebuild the event, several of these bouts are expected to land on the December 19 Miami card.

Anthony Joshua Embraces the Chaos — and the Cash

Joshua, smiling ear to ear when the deal was finalized, made it clear he sees Paul as just another opponent — only with a much bigger check attached.

“Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy,” Joshua said.

“I took some time out, and I’m coming back with a mega show.
I’m here to do massive numbers, have big fights and break every record…
Mark my words: you’ll see a lot more fighters take these opportunities.”

Joshua, who has faced Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, Andy Ruiz Jr., Oleksandr Usyk, and Daniel Dubois, sees the Paul bout not as a sideshow — but as a business masterstroke.

Paul’s Greatest Gamble Yet

For Paul, this is the fight he has been chasing: proof he can share the ring with a legitimate, modern-era heavyweight champion.

And by adding contractual guardrails — including the 245-pound weight cap — he’s pieced together what he believes is his one credible path to victory.

Whether that path actually exists is another story.

On December 19, the world will find out whether Paul can shock the globe — or whether Joshua delivers the brutal reminder that boxing is something you can’t influence with algorithms or hype.

One thing is certain: this event will be one of the most-watched fights of 2025.

And Jake Paul is betting everything — even Joshua’s weight — on making it competitive.