The Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua fight is the defining combat sports spectacle of 2025. Tonight, Friday, December 19, 2025, social media sensation Jake Paul steps into the ring at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, to face former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

This eight-round professional bout marks the first time Paul has entered a fight as a significant betting underdog, challenging an elite world-class heavyweight in his prime.

 

 

 

Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Fight Odds and Lines

As the opening bell approaches, sportsbooks have solidified Anthony Joshua as a massive betting favorite. The market reflects the significant gap in experience and physical stature between the two fighters.

Bet TypeAnthony "AJ" JoshuaJake "The Problem Child" Paul
Moneyline-1200+700
Win by KO/TKO/DQ-400+1200
Win by Decision+450+1600
Over/Under 2.5 RoundsOver: -145Under: +110

  • Implied Probability: Joshua has an approximately 86.6% to 89% chance of winning based on current betting lines.
  • Fight Duration: Many sportsbooks are leaning toward the fight lasting longer than 2.5 rounds.

Best Bets for Jake Paul’s Fight Tonight vs. Anthony Joshua

For bettors looking for value beyond the heavy moneyline, experts are focusing on "Over" totals and specific methods of victory.

  • Best Bet: Over 2.5 Rounds (-145): Despite Joshua's power, Paul has never been knocked out and has shown improved durability. Analysts suggest Joshua may play it safe early to avoid risks before closing the show in the middle or late rounds.
  • Value Prop: Joshua by Decision (+450): If Paul adopts a purely defensive "survival" strategy and Joshua prioritizes a clean win over a risky early knockout, this fight could reach the final bell, similar to Paul's 2024 bout with Mike Tyson.
  • Safe Play: Joshua to Score a Knockdown (-500): Given Joshua’s massive 26.8-lb weight advantage and reach, he is highly likely to drop Paul at least once during the eight rounds.

 

 

 

How Jake Paul Can Win: Path to Victory Breakdown

While an upset is considered unlikely by most experts, Jake Paul’s path to victory relies on a specific set of circumstances:

  • Defensive Movement and Stamina: Paul’s best chance is to use the larger 22x22 feet ring to his advantage, staying mobile and forcing the 36-year-old Joshua to tire out his 243-lb frame.
  • Counterpunching: Paul has stated, "I know I can land on him". He must look for counter-hooks if Joshua becomes overconfident or lazy with his jab.
  • Psychological Edge: Joshua is under immense pressure; he has everything to lose and must win by knockout to maintain his standing for a 2026 fight with Tyson Fury. Paul, with "nothing to lose," can afford to take risks that a traditional boxer might not.
  • Unconventional Chaos: Former world champion David Haye suggests that an injury, head clash, or a moment of chaos could trigger the "biggest upset in sporting history".

Fight Prediction and Final Betting Pick

Despite the hype and Paul’s undeniable growth in the sport, the physical and technical advantages sit firmly with Anthony Joshua. Joshua is nearly five inches taller with a significant six-inch reach advantage (82 inches vs. 76 inches).

  • The Prediction: Anthony Joshua wins by KO/TKO.
  • The Timing: We expect the stoppage to occur between Rounds 4 and 6. Paul is resilient enough to survive the initial rounds, especially if Joshua starts cautiously to shake off the ring rust from his 2024 loss to Daniel Dubois.
  • Final Betting Pick: Over 2.5 Rounds (-145) combined with Joshua to win by KO (-400).

 

 

 

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