Anthony Joshua will return to the ring next month in Miami, where he will face YouTube star Jake Paul in an eight-round professional contest.
Matchroom Boxing confirmed the bout on Monday, with the fighters set to split a stunning $184m purse.
Joshua, 36, has not fought since his stoppage defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, while Paul steps in after his planned exhibition with Gervonta Davis collapsed earlier this month.
The American, 28, is coming off a widely viewed win over Mike Tyson last year, though his 12–1 record remains heavily scrutinised.
The match-up has sparked controversy, but heavyweight powerbroker Turki Alalshikh insists major plans are in place for Joshua in 2026, including potential mega-fights in London.
Promoter Eddie Hearn also expressed renewed optimism over a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury.
Defeat to Paul, however, could derail everything, adding extra intrigue to December’s headline spectacle.
