Sports
Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul Fight Rules Explained
The rules for Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul have been confirmed. Shockwaves were sent through the boxing world when it emerged that former two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua was in advanced negotiations to face ‘The Problem Child’ in Miami in December.
The pair have frequently teased the idea of fighting one another. However, after Paul’s scheduled meeting with Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis was scrapped, a clash with Joshua took a step closer to becoming a reality. Streaming giant Netflix was reportedly always keen to stage the contest, which will attract worldwide attention.
Across his controversial 13 fight career, Paul has competed in a number of fights with unique rules. His cancelled meeting with Davis would have been an exhibition with a specialised rule set in place. Meanwhile, although his clash with Mike Tyson last November was a full professional bout, the contest was restricted to eight two-minute rounds.
Why Anthony Joshua is Fighting Jake Paul
Amid all the hype surrounding the fight, Matchroom boss Hearn spoke to Sky Sports, where he explained why his fighter was so keen to take on a relative novice such as Paul.
“We were going to have an eight-round fight this year, on an undercard somewhere. We didn’t expect that to be against Jake Paul, but it just so happens that if it is, it’s for 50 times more money than we were going to fight for.”
Joshua had been linked with an appearance on the undercard of Matchroom’s event on the 20th of December in Ghana, but focus has now shifted to a money-spinning bout against the You-Tuber-turned-boxer. ‘AJ’ is looking to bounce back from his humbling defeat at the hands of Daniel Dubois last September.
As part of the same interview, Hearn also explained why Team Joshua wouldn’t accept an exhibition bout. When the 46-year-old matchmaker was asked about the possibility, he had an emphatic response.
“No, not an exhibition. We’re not interested in exhibitions. It’s a real fight!”
After the fight was made official, Ring Magazine confirmed the official rules for the contest at Miami’s Kaseya Center on the 19th of December.
The Full Rules for Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul
- Professional heavyweight bout.
- Eight, three-minute rounds
- 10oz gloves (the standard worn in heavyweight fights)
- Sanctioned fight, with the result appearing on both men’s professional record
Hearn insisted that any attempts to alter the above rules after the fact would not be welcomed:
“If you want to fight, we’re having a fight. I’m not interested in an exhibition for AJ. If you want to step up to heavyweight and you’re that crazy to do it, Mr. Paul, you talk a good game. And by the way, if he does it, he’s a brave man.”
To his credit, Paul seems perfectly content with the rules as they stand, tweeting on a picture of the fight poster, alongside a caption which read: “Yes, it’s real.”
Hearn’s promotional company, Matchroom Boxing, had their own message for Paul as they declared: “Be careful what you wish for”.
Joshua, meanwhile, had just a three-word message regarding the fight upon its announcement. The 36-year-old Brit owns a 28-4 professional record, with 25 of his wins coming by knockout. He will no doubt by looking to add a 26th stoppage to his slate on the 19th of December and the rules of the bout will allow him to do so.
