Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua undercard receives boost as undefeated Olympian added

Amateur standout Jahmal Harvey will open the Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua main card on December 19.

The US Olympian, 2021 World Amateur gold medalist and 10-time US national champion got off to a flying start to his professional boxing career last month with a first-round retirement victory over Marcelo Del Aguila (6-2).

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He looks to build upon that momentum in 14 days when he locks horns with fellow unbeaten prospect Kevin Cervantes (5-0) in a six-round super featherweight clash.

Harvey was scheduled to meet Cervantes in his maiden bout on November 11, but the fight was cancelled.

The 23-year-old has been chomping at the bit to get his hands on the Colombian ever since.

“I’m looking to take him into deep waters,” said Harvey.

“I really don’t go for knockouts, I’d rather make somebody quit.”

On the opportunity, he added: “Being on the main card of Jake vs Joshua is a massive stage and platform to showcase my talent and really introduce Jahmal Harvey to the world.

“So I’m grateful to my team, MVP, and Netflix for making it happen.

“I’m looking to seize the moment and make a big statement to kick off the main card live on Netflix!”

Who else is on the undercard?

Acting as chief support for the main event is Alycia Baumgardner (16-1), who defends her unified WBA, IBF and WBO super featherweight titles against No.2-ranked IBF and No.3-ranked WBO and WBA contender Lela Beaudoin (13-1).

The fight will be contested over the men’s professional boxing duration of 3-minute rounds.

Full Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua undercard

Main Card

Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua – Heavyweight (8×3-minute rounds)

Alycia Baumgardner vs Lela Beaudoin – WBA, IBF and WBO super featherweight title fight (12×3-minute rounds)

Anderson Silva vs Tyron Woodley – 195lbs catchweight (6×3-minute rounds)

Jahmal Harvey vs Kevin Cervantes – Super featherweight (6×3-minute rounds)

Preliminary Card

Cherneka Johnson vs Amanda Galle – Undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO bantamweight title fight (10×2-minute rounds)

Yokasta Valle vs Yadira Bustillos – WBC strawweight title fight (10×2-minute rounds)

Avious Griffin vs Justin Cardona – Welterweight (8×3-minute rounds)

Keno Marley vs Diarra Davis Jr – Cruiserweight (4×3-minute rounds)

This decision cost Baumgardner her WBC title, with the major sanctioning body steadfast in its opposition to women competing in anything above two-minute rounds.

The main card is then capped off by a battle of two UFC legends and former Paul opponents in Anderson Silva (3-2) and Tyron Woodley (0-2).

Long-reigning UFC middleweight king Silva was due to face his ex-Octagon rival Chris Weidman, but former UFC welterweight champion Woodley stepped in to meet the Brazilian legend at a catchweight of 195lbs.

The prelims include two world titles that arguably should be higher up the running order.

Cherneka Johnson (18-2) defends her undisputed bantamweight titles against No.4 IBF and No.5 WBA contender Amanda Galle (12-0-1).

Meanwhile, Yokasta Valle (33-3) puts her WBC strawweight title on the line against Yadira Bustillos (11-1).

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Further down the bill, Avious Griffin (17-1) locks horns with Justin Cardona (10-1) at welterweight.

Two-time Brazilian Olympian Keno Marley (0-0) completes the lineup with his professional debut against Diarra Davis Jr (2-1) at cruiserweight.