Has Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua been cancelled? Major Deontay Wilder rival reveals what he has heard

Bermane Stiverne, once a ruler at heavyweight, featured in two high profile fights with Deontay Wilder as he operated at the business end of the heavyweight division for a sustained period. 

Inactive for nearly three years, Stiverne’s time in the sport appears to be up, but he still maintains an interest in what is going on in boxing. 

On December 19, Paul is set to move to Stiverne’s old weight class when he faces the biggest challenge of his short career against Joshua. 

Paul, in the past, has built his ledger against faded fighters and previous MMA stars, but in Joshua, he will be facing a two-time heavyweight champion who is intent on targeting major fights in 2026 against Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois.  

Despite Paul’s bravery in taking on such a stern test in Joshua, Stiverne has cast doubt on the contest by insisting he has been informed it will not take place. 

“I’ve just heard somewhere that he was injured, that it’s not happening,” said Stiverne when speaking to Gambleonline.ca . 

“I don’t know. I just heard not long ago it was cancelled. I don’t know what’s going on. Lawrence Okolie gave him a black eye or something and from what I heard the fight is not happening after sparring sessions [with world ranked fighters].” 

“It might be a lie, or it might be true, but I don’t know. That’s what I was hearing, and it wouldn’t surprise me.” 

Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua is still scheduled to take place next week on December 19.

Sign up to DAZN Ultimate Tier to get PPV's included in your subscription 

Subscribe to DAZN's new Ultimate Tier to get a minimum of 12 PPV events included per year, including The Ring V and Lopez vs. Stevenson, on top of another 185 fight nights. Plus Serie A football, watch on multiple devices, and many more extra benefits.

Sign up for £22.99 in the UK / $44.99 in the U.S. More details here .