A shock announcement reshapes the boxing finale
One of 2025’s last major boxing events surprises many in combat sports. Fans shift attention to two late-year cards as the UFC ends its season. A day before Misfits Boxing returns with influencers, the man who helped launch crossover boxing steps back into the ring. Jake Paul lost his planned fight with Gervonta Davis, which forced him and Netflix to find a replacement in early November. The search stunned the boxing world when it reached Anthony Joshua. Paul will fight Joshua on December 19 at Miami’s Kaseya Center. ‘The Problem Child’ faces a huge jump in competition as he meets the former two-time unified heavyweight champion. Many experts call the fight a mismatch, and a leading MMA figure now joins them.
Rogan says the matchup borders on madness
Joe Rogan believed he had seen everything as a combat sports fan and MMA analyst, but the Paul–Joshua announcement tested that belief. He reacted on his podcast and issued sharp warnings to the inexperienced YouTuber-turned-boxer. “Realistically, it’s one of the craziest propositions of all time,” Rogan said. He questioned throwing a fighter who boxed a 58-year-old Mike Tyson into the ring with one of the most feared punchers in the heavyweight division. Rogan said he will watch the fight but stressed the danger Joshua brings. He argued that Joshua enters the bout angry and eager to prove a point. He said Joshua feels insulted that a YouTuber wants to share the ring with him. Rogan warned Paul about Joshua’s right hand and called it a weapon that ends fights instantly. He described Joshua as a giant Olympic gold medalist with nuclear knockout power.
Dana White doubles down on the criticism
Rogan is not alone with his doubts. Dana White reacted even more strongly. Rogan suggested the fight could help Paul earn legitimacy in boxing, but White rejected that idea. White called the matchup a “bad idea” and joined many high-profile voices predicting a brutal defeat for Paul. He did not see any realistic path for Paul to handle Joshua’s power.
A heavy lineup closes the year in Miami
Paul and Joshua headline a packed December 19 card with six other bouts. Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley will meet again in a showdown between MMA veterans. The Miami event promises a dramatic end to one of boxing’s most surprising years.
