Netflix has made its next live boxing event official. Jake Paul will face Anthony Joshua in an eight-round heavyweight bout streaming live globally on Netflix on Friday, December 19 at 8 p.m. ET. The bout is included in all plans and available worldwide through the Netflix app.
The marquee matchup pits the Olympic Gold medalist against the influencer-turned-boxer as the streamer keeps investing in spectacle-driven events as part of its eventize strategy. Notably, Paul vs. Tyson in 2024 and other high-profile boxing cards tied to Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) paved the way as the most-streamed sporting event ever. By leaning on boxing’s crossover appeal, Netflix is banking on bringing more nontraditional sports viewers onto its platform.
“They say be careful what you wish for, kind of feel like that’s all I need to say,” said Eddie Hearn, Chairman Matchroom. “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.”
“This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day,” said Jake Paul. “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”
Originally, Paul was scheduled to take on Gervonta “Tank” Davis earlier this month at the Kaseya Center in Miami, but that bout was canceled following Davis’ legal issues. MVP stated they would find an opponent for Paul to close out 2025, and earlier this month, it was reported that Anthony Joshua was being lined up for the slugfest in Miami.
“Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy,” said Anthony Joshua OBE. “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.”
Next month’s spectacle shows Netflix’s willingness to underwrite live sports. Parks Associates’ 2025 SVOD rankings put Netflix at the top of the list, making it the single most-used on-demand streamer in the U.S. The streamer continues to add premium live events to drive appointment viewing into a catalog-first business. The in-ring showdown joins an NFL Christmas Day doubleheader as Netflix’s marquee events in December.
“Anthony Joshua is one of the most formidable and decorated heavyweights in the world – the ultimate test for any fighter,” said Gabe Spitzer, Vice President, Sports, Netflix. “We have immense respect for Jake Paul’s decision to take this challenge; it demonstrates the fearless ambition he has for his career. This is exactly why Netflix is in the live business: we love taking big swings and delivering the biggest, must-watch cultural spectacles.”
With the addition of Paul vs. Joshua, Netflix is turning into a sports destination and expanding beyond scripted hits and documentaries. Another big swing for more mainstream fans, beginning in 2026, Netflix is set to carry live MLB games, including the Home Run Derby. Combined with its sports-adjacent content from its library of docuseries and originals, the story-first approach is creating the “Netflix effect” by making new fans of various sports.