In a strategic departure from his usual opponents, YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul is set to step into the ring against professional boxer Andre August (10-1) on December 15 in Orlando, Florida, officials confirmed to ESPN.

The bout, slated for the cruiserweight division (200 pounds), will unfold over eight rounds, marking a shift in Paul’s career trajectory. Known for taking on older MMA fighters, primarily from the UFC, this matchup against August represents a challenge to Paul’s boxing prowess, with critics urging him to face more seasoned and legitimate boxers.

“I’m a professional boxer, and I want to be a world champion, so I need to pursue the path towards greatness against people who have been boxing their whole life,” Paul asserted in a statement.

The fight, while lacking the star power of some of Paul’s previous matchups, is seen as a step towards establishing his credibility in the boxing world. Paul’s critics have consistently called for him to face more experienced opponents, and in August, he encounters his most seasoned adversary to date.

The event, scheduled to stream on DAZN, will not be a pay-per-view affair. Paul, with a record of 7-1 and 4 knockouts, is fresh off a unanimous decision victory over former UFC star Nate Diaz in August. Prior to that, he suffered his first career defeat against Tommy Fury.

Nakisa Bidarian, Paul’s business partner and co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, drew parallels between Paul’s upcoming fight and those of other boxing greats. “Jake Paul does, and he’s once again putting it all on the line taking on a 10-1 opponent,” Bidarian remarked, emphasizing the global attention on Paul’s matches.

Andre August, 35, currently on a five-fight winning streak, is ready to make his mark in his first eight-round bout. In a bold statement, August declared, “Jake Paul has the money, the fame, the team, and the resources, but he doesn’t have my hunger. When that bell rings, I am going to go straight to Jake Paul and ring his bell and send him back to YouTube for good.”

The co-main event of the card promises a compelling WBC women’s super middleweight title fight between Shadasia Green and Franchón Crews-Dezurn, adding an additional layer of excitement to the December 15 event.