Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua is officially on, and while the matchup itself has already stirred plenty of debate, fans are mostly wondering one simple thing: what are the rules of this fight?
Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua (28-4-0, 25 KOs) will face YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul (12-1 7 KOs) on December 19 at Miami’s Kaseya Center.
It’s an unusual pairing that has raised questions about whether the fight is fully sanctioned and how it will be regulated. Here’s precisely how the bout will be fought.
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua Fight Rules Explained
Paul vs. Joshua will be contested as a professionally sanctioned heavyweight fight, not an exhibition. The Florida Athletic Commission approves the bout and will officially count on both fighters’ records.
The fight is scheduled for eight three-minute rounds. That is shorter than a standard heavyweight title fight, which typically runs 12 rounds, but it still follows traditional professional boxing structure.
Both fighters will wear 10-ounce gloves, which are standard for professional heavyweight contests. The ring will be slightly larger than usual, measuring 22 feet by 22 feet, compared to the standard 20-by-20 ring.
The fight will be scored using the 10-point must system, the same judging format used across professional boxing. Judges will award rounds based on effective aggression, clean punches, defense, and ring control. Knockdowns typically result in 10-8 rounds, though judges can score a dominant round 10-8 even without a knockdown.
Points may also be deducted for fouls such as low blows or headbutts at the referee’s discretion. If the fight goes the distance, it can be decided by unanimous, split, or majority decision. Draws are also possible under standard scoring rules.
Paul vs. Joshua Is Being Framed as a Career-Defining Moment
In the official announcement, Most Valuable Promotions made it clear that Paul vs. Joshua is being treated as far more than a novelty matchup. The fight has been branded “Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day” and described as the most dangerous test of Paul’s still-developing boxing career.
The bout pairs Paul — described as boxing’s most-watched modern attraction — with one of the sport’s most accomplished heavyweights.
Joshua is a two-time unified world champion, a 2012 Olympic gold medalist, and a proven stadium headliner across the UK and internationally.
For Paul, this represents a massive leap from facing former MMA fighters and aging legends—like Mike Tyson—to stepping in with an active, elite heavyweight puncher.
Paul did not downplay the moment when addressing the matchup.
“This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day,” Paul said. “A professional heavyweight fight against an elite world champion in his prime. When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears, and no one can deny me the opportunity to fight for a world title.”
Joshua, meanwhile, enters the fight with far more experience and an extensive résumé. He has shared the ring with fighters like Wladimir Klitschko and Oleksandr Usyk and, most recently, knocked out Francis Ngannou before suffering a loss to IBF titleholder Daniel Dubois in front of nearly 100,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.
“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. It’s a big opportunity for me.”
Fans can watch Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua on Netflix.
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