I'll overwhelm 'legitimate fighter' Paul - Anthony Joshua
Anthony Joshua prepares to battle the American YouTuber in an eight round contest which will be streamed live on Netflix.
Briton Joshua declared he will "dominate completely" Jake Paul and "defeat" his opponent as the combatants confronted each other to publicize next month's bout.
Ex twice world boxing king Anthony Joshua faces social media star turned fighter Paul - in what is, theoretically, a massive disparity - at Miami Kaseya Center on December 19th.
Fighter's Mindset
"I'm going to break his face and break his body up. My goal is to show I'm superior," Joshua, 35, said.
"I will dominate him completely. That's the boxer's mindset.
"I intend to genuinely try to injure him. That's my intention."
Respectful Interaction
In spite of these statements, a calm Joshua and internet personality Jake Paul - usually famous for his showmanship - exchanged pleasantries and remained civil with each other.
Paul instead criticized ex Joshua's rival Francis Ngannou and described him as "a joke" after the Cameroonian turned down a match opportunity.
Taking Aim at Fury
Joshua, meanwhile, targeted UK rival Tyson Fury - and refused a large bet 'Tyson Fury' says he will place on a victory for Paul.
"[Paul] is superior to Tyson Fury - he's actually sitting here," the boxer said.
"I respect him for that."
Serious Opponent
Despite saying he intends to damage his opponent, Joshua declined to speak negatively about his opponent's fighting skills.
"Jake is a legitimate boxer," he stated.
Jake Paul's Background
Jake Paul - who first rose to fame on the television network - has mostly fought MMA fighters or declining opponents since becoming pro.
He lost to Briton Tommy Fury in 2023.
Commercial Attraction
Still, the relative newcomer continues to be one of the sport's biggest financial successes, frequently receiving massive paydays.
Forecast and Confidence
The 28 year old forecast a stoppage in round four or five and stated he would prevent the highly-expected Fury-Joshua bout, which is apparently under discussion for 2026.
"It's going to be my match with Fury next year," Jake Paul declared.
Physical Disparity
As the two fighters met for the usual stare-down, with their size difference on show, it drove home just how unlikely this whole event is - and how astonishing it is that the bout is really proceeding.
