The highly anticipated boxing superfight between social media sensation Jake Paul and former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua this Friday night in Miami comes with a guaranteed consequence for both men: an immediate suspension from the sport. No matter who wins or loses at the Kaseya Center, both fighters will be forced to take a mandatory break due to strict medical regulations.
Florida Commission Enforces Mandatory Rest Period
The Florida Athletic Commission, which regulates professional boxing in the state, has confirmed the automatic suspension. Following the rules set by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports, both Paul and Joshua will be examined by a physician after the final bell. They will then enter a compulsory seven-day rest period, starting the day after the fight. During this time, they are prohibited from any boxing-related activity.
This rule is a standard safety protocol designed to protect fighters' health, ensuring they receive adequate recovery time before considering a return to training or competition. No boxer can step back into the ring until they receive full medical clearance.
Special Conditions and High Stakes for the Bout
The fight itself will be contested under unique conditions. Anthony Joshua must weigh in at a specific 245 pounds, and the ring will be larger than standard, measuring 22x22 feet. The event will be streamed live globally on Netflix, marking a significant moment in combat sports broadcasting.
For Jake 'The Problem Child' Paul, this represents his most formidable challenge yet. Moving from facing former MMA stars to elite heavyweight opposition in Joshua is a massive step up. For Anthony Joshua, a two-time world champion, this bout is seen as a crucial tune-up fight. He aims to regain momentum after a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois removed him from the heavyweight rankings, with his ultimate goal still being a historic clash against Tyson Fury.
Precedents Show Strict Suspension Enforcement
Past incidents highlight how seriously these rules are applied. In 2024, when Mike Perry was knocked out by Jake Paul in Tampa, he received a 60-day medical suspension. A technical knockout typically triggers an automatic 30-day ban. In another notable case, after Paul's victory over Mike Tyson in November 2024, both fighters were suspended for 24 days, a term calculated as three days for each round fought.
These examples underscore the commission's commitment to fighter welfare. The suspension for Paul and Joshua is a preventative measure, not a punishment, ensuring both athletes have time to recover fully from the physical demands of their high-profile showdown in Miami.
