Joshua Faces Weight-Hurdle Disadvantage Ahead of Paul Clash

Anthony Joshua’s blockbuster December 19 showdown with Jake Paul comes with one
unexpected obstacle — a strict 245lb weight cap that leaves the former world champion having
to shed a stone for the first time in his career. Promoter Eddie Hearn admitted the cut is “not
easy” for Joshua, who currently sits around 260lb after a long layoff since September 2024.

Despite accepting second billing on the fight poster and agreeing to several of Paul’s conditions,
Joshua still landed the sport’s biggest no-brainer matchup. The bout will be a professionally
sanctioned heavyweight contest across eight three-minute rounds using 10oz gloves, yet the
weight rule remains the biggest concession. Joshua has weighed above 250lb in his last five
fights, making this cut a new challenge.

Hearn told SunSport that although Joshua has boxed at 242lb before, “that was quite a long time
ago,” stressing the need to carefully manage the science behind the drop. Still, he joked that they
“surely need some kind of disadvantage” going into the fight.

Paul, who has mostly competed at the 200lb cruiserweight limit throughout his 13-fight career,
enters the clash with only one defeat — a 2023 loss to Tommy Fury. His sole heavyweight
appearance came in last year’s controversial bout with Mike Tyson, after which organisers had to
deny baseless fixing accusations. Hearn shut down similar rumours surrounding this fight,
insisting any claims of scripted action are “ridiculous” and illegal in a professional contest.

Joshua returns to the ring following his knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois, but his destructive
two-round demolition of Francis Ngannou in 2024 remains a warning sign for Paul. Hearn made
it clear: if Joshua lands clean, it could be over instantly. While he acknowledged Paul’s
toughness, he added that it likely “doesn’t matter.”

With massive global interest and a lucrative deal negotiated through Joshua’s DAZN contract,
their “Judgement Day” clash is set to be one of the year’s most-watched fights — but Joshua’s
toughest battle may begin long before the opening bell, on the scales.