Anthony Joshua changes training approach ahead of Jake Paul fight

Anthony Joshua changes training approach ahead of Jake Paul fightStory byElizabeth Flores, USA TODAYSat, November 22, 2025 at 4:56 PM UTC·2 min read

As preparation for his eight-round heavyweight fight against Jake Paul in December at Kaseya Center in Miami, Anthony Joshua confirmed at the pre-fight news conference that he will train with members of Oleksandr Usyk's team, marking a strategic shift in his training approach.

Joshua has joined heavyweight champion Usyk and his team in Spain as he prepares for his upcoming fight. This marks a significant change from his previous training regimen under Ben Davison, the former coach of Tyson Fury, with whom he has worked in the UK since 2023. This will be Joshua's first fight since September 2024, when he suffered a fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois and recovered from elbow surgery that he underwent earlier this year.

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"I won't be trained by Ben Davison, I said that London's a bit distracting for me so I was invited to train with team Usyk. I've been in Spain, we've been doing some good training," Joshua said at the pre-fight news conference.

Usyk holds an undefeated record of 24 wins that include 15 knockouts and is coming off a victory against Dubois in July that awarded him the undisputed heavyweight championship.

Joshua confirmed that although he is not sparring with Usyk, the Ukrainian has been present at the camp for the past two months.

More: Jake Paul sparring partner adds twist to Anthony Joshua fight

Jake Paul (left) and Nate Robinson (right) weigh in for a cruiserweight boxing bout in Los Angeles, Calif. on Nov. 27, 2020.Jake Paul (grey trunks) fights Nate Robinson (red and blue trunks) during a cruiserweight boxing bout at the Staples Center on Nov 28, 2020 in Los Angeles, Calif.Jake Paul (grey trunks) knocks out Nate Robinson (red and blue trunks) during a cruiserweight boxing bout at the Staples Center on Nov 28, 2020 in Los Angeles, Calif.Jake Paul is introduced prior to his bout against Tyron Woodley at Amalie Arena on Dec. 18, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley fight at Amalie Arena on Dec. 18, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley fight at Amalie Arena on Dec. 18, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.Jake Paul fights Tyron Woodley at Amalie Arena on Dec. 18, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley head butt as they fight at Amalie Arena on Dec. 18, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.Jake Paul celebrates after defeating Tyron Woodley at Amalie Arena on Dec. 18, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.Jake Paul celebrates after defeating Tyron Woodley at Amalie Arena on Dec. 18, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.Jake Paul and Anderson Silva pose for photos during a news conference at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022 to preview their Saturday night fight.Jake Paul moves in with a hit against Anderson Silva at Desert Diamond Arena on Oct. 29, 2022 in Glendale, Ariz.Jake Paul lands a hit against Anderson Silva at Desert Diamond Arena on Oct. 29, 2022 in Glendale, Ariz.Jake Paul lands a hit against Anderson Silva at Desert Diamond Arena on Oct. 29, 2022 in Glendale, Ariz.Jake Paul moves in for a hit against Anderson Silva at Desert Diamond Arena on Oct. 29, 2022 in Glendale, Ariz.Jake Paul reacts following the match against Anderson Silva at Desert Diamond Arena on Oct. 29, 2022 in Glendale, Ariz.Jake Paul (left) against Anderson Silva during a boxing match at Desert Diamond Arena on Oct. 29, 2022 in Glendale, Ariz.Jake Paul punches Anderson Silva during a bout at Desert Diamond Arena on Oct. 29, 2022 in Glendale, Ariz.Fans cheer as both Jake Paul and Anderson Silva take the ring to face each other at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.Anderson Silva throws a punch at Jake Paul during their match at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on Oct. 29, 2022.Jake Paul throws a punch at Anderson Silva during their match at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on Oct. 29, 2022.Jake Paul punches and knocks down Anderson Silva during a bout at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on Oct. 29, 2022.Jake Paul throws a punch at Anderson Silva during a bout at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on Oct. 29, 2022.Jake Paul (right) fights against Nate Diaz in a boxing match at American Airlines Center on Aug. 5, 2023 in Dallas, Texas.Jake Paul (left) fights against Nate Diaz in a boxing match at American Airlines Center on Aug. 5, 2023 in Dallas, Texas.Jake Paul's mother Pam Stepnick(left) and girlfriend Jutta Leerdam watch the fight against Nate Diaz at American Airlines Center on Aug. 5, 2023 in Dallas, Texas.The shoes of Jake Paul before the fight against Nate Diaz at American Airlines Center on Aug. 5, 2023 in Dallas, Texas.Jake Paul (left) fights against Nate Diaz in a boxing match at American Airlines Center on Aug. 5, 2023 in Dallas, Texas.Jake Paul gives a press conference after knocking out Andre August in the first round at the Caribe Royale Orlando on Dec. 15, 2023 in Orlando, Fl.Jake Paul knocks out Andre August in the first round at Caribe Royale Orlando on Dec. 15, 2023 in Orlando, Fl.Jake Paul is congratulated by Logan Paul after knocking out Andre August in the first round at the Caribe Royale Orlando on Dec. 15, 2023 in Orlando, Fl.

Jake Paul gestures during his weigh-in ahead of his heavyweight boxing match against Former US heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson in Irving, Texas, on Nov. 14, 2024.

Mike Tyson slaps Jake Paul as they face off during their ceremonial weigh-in at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory on Nov. 14, 2024 in Irving, Texas.

Mike Tyson and Jake Paul fight during LIVE On Netflix: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.

Jake Paul is announced as winner against Mike Tyson during LIVE On Netflix: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.

Jake Paul and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. pose for photos following their press conference at Avalon Hollywood Theater in Los Angeles on May 14, 2025.Jake Paul reacts following his match against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at Honda Center on Jun 28, 2025 in Anaheim, Calif.Jake Paul moves in for a hit against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at Honda Center on Jun 28, 2025 in Anaheim, Calif.1 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul (left) and Nate Robinson (right) weigh in for a cruiserweight boxing bout in Los Angeles, Calif. on Nov. 27, 2020.1 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul (left) and Nate Robinson (right) weigh in for a cruiserweight boxing bout in Los Angeles, Calif. on Nov. 27, 2020.2 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul (grey trunks) fights Nate Robinson (red and blue trunks) during a cruiserweight boxing bout at the Staples Center on Nov 28, 2020 in Los Angeles, Calif.3 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul (grey trunks) knocks out Nate Robinson (red and blue trunks) during a cruiserweight boxing bout at the Staples Center on Nov 28, 2020 in Los Angeles, Calif.4 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul is introduced prior to his bout against Tyron Woodley at Amalie Arena on Dec. 18, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.5 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley fight at Amalie Arena on Dec. 18, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.6 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley fight at Amalie Arena on Dec. 18, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.7 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul fights Tyron Woodley at Amalie Arena on Dec. 18, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.8 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley head butt as they fight at Amalie Arena on Dec. 18, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.9 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul celebrates after defeating Tyron Woodley at Amalie Arena on Dec. 18, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.10 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul celebrates after defeating Tyron Woodley at Amalie Arena on Dec. 18, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.11 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul and Anderson Silva pose for photos during a news conference at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022 to preview their Saturday night fight.12 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul moves in with a hit against Anderson Silva at Desert Diamond Arena on Oct. 29, 2022 in Glendale, Ariz.13 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul lands a hit against Anderson Silva at Desert Diamond Arena on Oct. 29, 2022 in Glendale, Ariz.14 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul lands a hit against Anderson Silva at Desert Diamond Arena on Oct. 29, 2022 in Glendale, Ariz.15 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul moves in for a hit against Anderson Silva at Desert Diamond Arena on Oct. 29, 2022 in Glendale, Ariz.16 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul reacts following the match against Anderson Silva at Desert Diamond Arena on Oct. 29, 2022 in Glendale, Ariz.17 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul (left) against Anderson Silva during a boxing match at Desert Diamond Arena on Oct. 29, 2022 in Glendale, Ariz.18 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul punches Anderson Silva during a bout at Desert Diamond Arena on Oct. 29, 2022 in Glendale, Ariz.19 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Fans cheer as both Jake Paul and Anderson Silva take the ring to face each other at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.20 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Anderson Silva throws a punch at Jake Paul during their match at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on Oct. 29, 2022.21 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul throws a punch at Anderson Silva during their match at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on Oct. 29, 2022.22 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul punches and knocks down Anderson Silva during a bout at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on Oct. 29, 2022.23 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul throws a punch at Anderson Silva during a bout at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on Oct. 29, 2022.24 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul (right) fights against Nate Diaz in a boxing match at American Airlines Center on Aug. 5, 2023 in Dallas, Texas.25 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul (left) fights against Nate Diaz in a boxing match at American Airlines Center on Aug. 5, 2023 in Dallas, Texas.26 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul's mother Pam Stepnick(left) and girlfriend Jutta Leerdam watch the fight against Nate Diaz at American Airlines Center on Aug. 5, 2023 in Dallas, Texas.27 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

The shoes of Jake Paul before the fight against Nate Diaz at American Airlines Center on Aug. 5, 2023 in Dallas, Texas.28 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul (left) fights against Nate Diaz in a boxing match at American Airlines Center on Aug. 5, 2023 in Dallas, Texas.29 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul gives a press conference after knocking out Andre August in the first round at the Caribe Royale Orlando on Dec. 15, 2023 in Orlando, Fl.30 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul knocks out Andre August in the first round at Caribe Royale Orlando on Dec. 15, 2023 in Orlando, Fl.31 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul is congratulated by Logan Paul after knocking out Andre August in the first round at the Caribe Royale Orlando on Dec. 15, 2023 in Orlando, Fl.32 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul gestures during his weigh-in ahead of his heavyweight boxing match against Former US heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson in Irving, Texas, on Nov. 14, 2024.

33 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Mike Tyson slaps Jake Paul as they face off during their ceremonial weigh-in at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory on Nov. 14, 2024 in Irving, Texas.

34 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Mike Tyson and Jake Paul fight during LIVE On Netflix: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.

35 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul is announced as winner against Mike Tyson during LIVE On Netflix: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.

36 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. pose for photos following their press conference at Avalon Hollywood Theater in Los Angeles on May 14, 2025.37 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul reacts following his match against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at Honda Center on Jun 28, 2025 in Anaheim, Calif.38 / 38

See Jake Paul's professional boxing career in photos

Jake Paul moves in for a hit against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at Honda Center on Jun 28, 2025 in Anaheim, Calif.

When is Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua?

Jake Paul will enter the ring to face Anthony Joshua on Friday, Dec. 19, in a sanctioned heavyweight fight.

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• Date: Friday, Dec. 19

• Time: 8 p.m. ET

• Stream: Netflix

• Location: Kaseya Center (Miami)

How to watch Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua

The Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua fight will be available exclusively on Netflix. Fans can watch it with any Netflix subscription plan at no extra pay-per-view fee.

Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua fight rules

The Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua fight will consist of eight, three-minute rounds, and the fighters will wear 10-ounce gloves, which is the standard for heavyweight bouts.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Anthony Joshua trains with Usyk's camp ahead of Jake Paul fight

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