Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: Is Joshua really allowed to hurt Paul?

Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua  finally face off in the ring tonight, in a bout that has caught the imagination of the boxing public and beyond.

'The Problem Child' takes on the two-time unified heavyweight champion  in a contest that has seen major questions raised time and again.

Once mooted as an exhibition encounter, the pair will instead share the ring in a fully professional contest - albeit, with a few tweaks too.

Here, we explain the rules for the December 19 clash.

What are the rules for Paul-Joshua?

Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua's bout will take place at heavyweight  across  eight three-minute  rounds with both fighters using  10oz gloves  for the duration of the contest.

It follows similar rules to Paul's bout with Mike Tyson in November 2024, where the pair contested eight two-minute rounds, albeit with heavier 14oz gloves instead.

It marks the first time Joshua has contested less than ten rounds since his win over Raphael Zumbano Love in 2015, in what was his twelfth professional bout at the time.

Is Paul-Joshua a professional fight?

Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua's bout is a professional bout, with the clash and its susbequent result set to count on their full fight records when the dust settles afterwards.

Paul currently holds a 12-1 record in the ring, but would not have extended his reputation with his clash against 'Tank', which was due to be held as an exhibition bout.

Joshua meanwhile is at 28-4, with his loss to Dubois coming after defeats to Andy Ruiz Jr. and Oleksandr Usyk - twice - across his career thus far.

Does Joshua have to hold back considering his greater experience?

No. This fight is as legitimate as Joshua's legendary battles with Oleksandr Usyk and Wladimir Klitschko, but will be fought over a shorter distance. Joshua can approach this fight any way he chooses and he can use full force at all times.

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