Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Predictions & Odds: Heavyweight Preview

Our Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua prediction favors the two-time unified heavyweight champion to deliver a statement knockout on Friday at Miami's Kaseya Center. Joshua is a prohibitive -1200 betting favorite to win in what might shape up as the most controversial heavyweight bout of the year. The action streams live on Netflix, starting at 8 p.m. ET, and is free for subscribers.

The tale of the tape tells its own story. Joshua stands 6-foot-6 with an 82-inch reach and carries genuine one-punch power that has ended 25 of his 28 professional victories. Paul, a 6-foot-1 cruiserweight moving up in weight, has built a 12-1 record largely against MMA fighters and aging opponents. This is his first true test against an elite-level boxer in his prime.

The fight is slated for eight, 3-minute rounds with 10 oz. gloves and reportedly has a purse of upward of $184 million.

🥊 Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua prediction

See all of our boxing picks for Friday's fights.

Anthony Joshua to win fight (-1200) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The physical advantages here border on absurd.

Joshua will enjoy a five-inch height edge, six inches of reach, and approximately 45 pounds at fight time despite the contractual 245-pound weigh-in limit. More importantly, he brings a championship pedigree and a devastating right hand that former Great Britain coach Richie Woodhall called the hardest he's ever felt on pads.

Paul has never faced anyone remotely close to this caliber. His resume includes a 58-year-old Mike Tyson and former UFC fighters with minimal boxing experience. Joshua's recent knockout of Francis Ngannou in two rounds demonstrated his ability to dismantle powerful athletes transitioning to boxing.

Expect Joshua to establish his jab early, walk Paul down behind a tight guard, and unload combinations once he closes distance. Paul's only path to victory involves landing a miracle shot before Joshua finds his range. That scenario seems highly unlikely given the vast experience gap. Joshua finishes this, very likely inside six rounds.

However, there's simply no value to be found in a -1200 betting line. We've broken down the full Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua betting odds and have come to our best bet below.

💰 Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua best bet

Search the best player prop odds for any fighter across every market from legal sportsbooks in your area.

Anthony Joshua to win by KO/TKO/DQ + Over 2.5 Rounds (+180) ⭐⭐⭐

This is where the real value lives.

Paul's durability shouldn't be underestimated. He's never been stopped and possesses enough defensive awareness to survive the early rounds while Joshua finds his rhythm. The British champion typically starts cautiously before overwhelming opponents once he establishes control. Joshua's last three stoppages came in rounds 2, 5, and 7, showing he doesn't always rush for the early finish. 

You can catch this +180 at bet365. Paul survives the initial onslaught but can't escape Joshua's power deep into the fight.

📊 Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua odds

Odds via BetMGM; subject to change.

🆚 Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua tale of the tape

📺 How to watch Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua

• Date: Friday, Dec. 19
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Location: Kaseya Center (Miami)
• TV: Netflix