Anthony Joshua will step into unfamiliar territory in Miami after Jake Paul’s promotional team secured a larger-than-usual ring for their controversial heavyweight clash, a subtle rule adjustment designed to give the American a fighting chance against Britain’s former world champion.
The bout, which has divided opinion across the sport, will be staged in a 22-by-22-foot ring for both the main event and the undercard.
It is a notable departure from the 20-by-20 dimensions Joshua has spent most of his professional career navigating, and one that could shape the tactical complexion of the fight.
As the bigger, heavier puncher, Joshua is expected to apply pressure, while the additional space theoretically offers Paul more room to manoeuvre, evade and reset.
The decision was pushed through by Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, prompting immediate discussion about whether ring geography could meaningfully blunt Joshua’s physical advantages.
In theory, the extra square footage allows a more mobile fighter to stay out of range for longer, forcing a pursuer to work harder to cut off angles and trap his opponent.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has been quick to dismiss the notion that the change will have any lasting impact.
Anthony Joshua will step into unfamiliar territory in Miami after Jake Paul’s promotional team secured a larger-than-usual ring for their controversial heavyweight clash, a subtle rule adjustment designed to give the American a fighting chance against Britain’s former world champion
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In 2021, a similarly sized ring was installed for the super-middleweight showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders, with the Briton widely viewed as the slicker, more elusive operator.
The outcome, however, suggested that footwork alone is rarely enough.
Alvarez systematically broke Saunders down before forcing him to retire on his stool after eight rounds, rendering the extra space largely irrelevant.
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The ring size is only one of several conditions attached to Joshua’s meeting with Paul.
The fight is scheduled for eight three-minute rounds, shorter than a traditional men’s heavyweight main event.
Both men will, however, wear standard 10oz gloves rather than larger alternatives sometimes used in crossover bouts.
The contest remains one of the most improbable match-ups boxing has produced. Joshua, 36, is a former two-time world heavyweight champion with victories over elite opposition, while Paul, 28, rose to fame on YouTube and the Disney Channel before reinventing himself as a professional fighter.
Joshua has been emphatic about his intentions, vowing to pursue a knockout.
“Jake or anyone can get this work, no mercy,” he said.
Anthony Joshua needs to beat Jake Paul to stand any chance of a blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury | GETTY
“I took some time out and I’m coming back with a mega show… I’m about to break the internet over Jake Paul’s face.”
Paul, characteristically, hasn’t minced his words as he prepares for battle.
“This isn’t an AI simulation, this is Judgment Day,” he said. “A professional heavyweight fight against an elite world champion in his prime. When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears.”
Hearn, meanwhile, has struck a more sardonic tone.
“They say be careful what you wish for,” he said.
“While I admire Jake’s b***s, he’s going to find out the hard way in Miami.”
