Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua are set to clash in a high-stakes boxing match on Netflix in December

Jake Paul will take on Anthony Joshua in December and issued an apology, along with boasting what he will do to the Brit (Image: Kirby Lee, Getty Images)

Jake Paul issued a stark warning to Anthony Joshua and his team before their upcoming Netflix showdown.

The YouTuber-turned-boxer is set to meet the 36-year-old fighter after Paul’s planned bout with Gervonta Davis collapsed following allegations made by Davis’s ex-girlfriend. Joshua, meanwhile, hasn’t competed since September 2024, when he suffered a defeat to Daniel Dubois before undergoing elbow surgery.

With just weeks remaining until fight night, Paul delivered a pointed message to his opponent. The statement followed confirmation that Joshua must stay below a designated weight limit, with both fighters expected to pocket more than $90 million for their involvement.

“This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day,” Paul declared in a statement issued by Most Valuable Promotions on Monday. “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.

“To all my haters, this is what you wanted. To the people of the United Kingdom, I am sorry. On Friday, December 19, under the lights in Miami, live globally only on Netflix, the torch gets passed and Britain’s Goliath gets put to sleep. I KNOWWWW YOU GOT EM PICKED HAHAHHA.”

Anthony Joshua battled Daniel Dubois in September 2024, losing in the fifth round (Image: Photo by Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing/Getty Images)

Joshua, the two-time unified world champion, responded with his own message as the pair gear up for their Netflix clash. “Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy,” the 36 year old’s statement began.

“I took some time out and I’m coming back with a mega show. It’s a big opportunity for me. Whether you like it or not, I’m here to do massive numbers, have big fights and break every record whilst keeping cool, calm and collected. Mark my words, you’ll see a lot more fighters take these opportunities in the future. I’m about to break the internet over Jake Paul’s face.”

Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, acknowledged that when the bout was initially announced – originally scheduled for 2026 – both fighters faced skepticism. However, he believes Paul now has an opportunity to make his mark by taking on Joshua, regardless of how improbable victory may seem.

Paul and Joshua will face off on Netflix (Image: Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images)

“Now, as only Jake Paul could and would do, he’s fighting one of the most fearsome boxers in the world,” Bidarian remarked in a statement. “Joshua has every advantage in this fight, except one – the delusional confidence of Jake Paul, and if anyone can shock the world, it’s him.

“This is a global clash between two of the most recognizable figures in the sport, Jake, the face of boxing’s new era, and Joshua, the King of UK boxing.”

Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport, also issued his own warning to the YouTuber-turned-boxer and his team.

“They say be careful what you wish for, kind of feel like that’s all I need to say,” the 46 year old stated. “Two of the biggest names in the sport will collide on Dec 19. Whilst I admire Jake’s balls, he’s going to find out the hard way in Miami.”

Fans on social media also made their thoughts known on the bout and its validity, with one writing: “watching jake paul get knocked out would be the ultimate early christmas present.”

Another wrote: “If this is true If it is true then Jake Paul is going to get seriously hurt.”