American YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul recently revealed a black eye. He sustained the injury during a sparring session with British heavyweight Lawrence Okolie. This comes as he intensifies preparations for his major fight. Paul is set to face Anthony Joshua later this month.

Jake Paul is expected to meet the former unified world champion. Their highly anticipated bout is scheduled for Friday, December 19. It will take place at the Kaseya Centre in Miami. This will be a fully sanctioned professional boxing match.

The outcome of this fight will be added to both boxers’ professional records. A knockout remains a distinct possibility. This holds true despite the unique nature of the matchup.

The Road to Miami: A Clash of Titans

Many describe this fight as one of modern boxing’s boldest matchups. Anthony Joshua, aged 36, holds the title of a two-time world heavyweight champion. Jake Paul, 28, initially gained fame through YouTube and the Disney Channel. He later transitioned into professional boxing.

Paul has built an impressive boxing record. He boasts 12 wins from 13 contests. Seven of these victories came by knockout. His notable opponents include former WBC champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. He also defeated ex-UFC title holders Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva.

Earlier this year, Paul also stopped heavyweight legend Mike Tyson. Tyson was 58 years old at the time of that bout.

Intense Training and Weight Preparations

Paul is currently preparing for what he calls his biggest career challenge. He has been sparring intensely with larger opponents. These include former WBC and WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie. Paul displayed the resulting bruises during a live appearance on Adin Ross’ Kick stream.

“I’m sparring with many world champion heavyweights,” Paul stated. “I believe Lawrence Okolie caused this injury.” He added, “He stands at six feet six inches and weighs 270 pounds.”

Okolie, 32, has recently seen a resurgence in his career. He has won his last three bouts. Most recently, he defeated Kevin Lerena. This win occurred on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk’s world title defense. That event saw Usyk face Daniel Dubois at Wembley.

Paul also revealed his current weight is 215 pounds. He plans to weigh around 220 pounds on fight night. Anthony Joshua is expected to be much heavier. His weight is capped at 245 pounds, according to the fight’s terms.