Reality Looms For Jake Paul Ahead of Anthony Joshua Bout

On Friday in Miami, Jake Paul (+625) will square off against Anthony Joshua (-1,000), a challenge unlike any he’s faced up to this point: a true title fighter still on the outer reaches of their physical prime. 

It was just under 20 months ago when Joshua stopped Francis Ngannou, one of the most fearsome UFC fighters of all time, in the ring with a vicious knockout. Across 32 professional fights, Joshua is 28-4, with 25 wins by knockout.  

Furthering Paul's daunting challenge is a wild size difference. Joshua stands 6-foot-6, five inches taller than Paul, with a six-inch reach advantage. Even with an agreed weight limit for the bigger Joshua, he's expected to weigh in as much as 25 pounds heavier than Paul. 

The total rounds line, with an eight-round fight scheduled, is set at 2.5 with nearly even odds (Over -120/Under -110). The matter of it going the distance or not is considerably more tilted, with the full eight rounds completed at +365 – and a stoppage ahead of the final bell at -650.  

To this point, Paul's lone loss was by unanimous decision, and a repeat of that would feel like a moral victory. Oddsmakers have Joshua by KO/TKO/DQ as the clear likeliest outcome, at -425, while a Joshua decision slots in at +475. 

No matter the result, Friday will bring a new development in Paul’s boxing career, with the controversial figure faced with a genuine challenge. And, with the intrigue and viewership bound to surround the fight, he’ll leave the ring a winner either way. 

Click here for all Paul vs. Joshua odds at BET99.

Odds as of December 17, 2025.