Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has broken his silence on his upcoming professional showdown with YouTube sensation turned boxer Jake Paul, offering a surprisingly candid assessment of his opponent.
The Fight Details
The highly anticipated bout is officially set for Friday, December 19, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. The contest will be contested over eight three-minute rounds, with both fighters wearing 10oz gloves. A notable stipulation in the contract requires Anthony Joshua not to weigh more than 245lb for the clash.
This will be Joshua's first fight since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024. The British boxer has spent much of 2025 recovering from injury. Paul, meanwhile, last fought in June, securing a victory against former champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Joshua's Honest Opinion of Paul
When asked for his thoughts on Jake Paul, Joshua did not hold back, but his words were more analytical than dismissive. "I think he is a smart operator," Joshua stated. "I think he has managed to put a good team around him to help him achieve his wildest dreams. But, in short, I think he is a smart, young man."
Addressing those who have labelled Paul 'crazy' for taking the fight, Joshua offered a realist's perspective. "I am going to come to fight. And, by the way, there's no stuff in the contract that says I cannot do this. I will come to fight. That's what he wants, though. So, it's not crazy. He is getting what he wants. He is not crazy. I do not think Jake is crazy. He is a realist. He is a logical man. And he wants to fight."
Fighters Vow Knockout Victory
At the recent press conference in Miami, the atmosphere was cordial but the intentions were clear. Joshua left no doubt about his game plan, emphasising the need for a decisive victory. "It's not a win for me if I just beat him; I need to knock him out," he declared. "I'm going to break his face and break his body... I want to hurt him, I'm going to want to really hurt him in the ring."
He promised to bring a level of boxing Paul has yet to encounter. "I’m going to come forward and impose myself. I’m going to land heavy punches and expose him to certain tricks in boxing that he maybe hasn’t seen yet."
Not to be outdone, Jake Paul embraced his underdog status. "No one ever thought that this would be possible... No one thinks I’m going to win so join the list and be ready to be shocked," he said. Confident in his power, Paul predicted, "I think it will be a fourth or fifth-round knockout. I'm ready to die to win this fight."
The event will be streamed live on Netflix, with ring walks expected around 4am UK time on the morning of December 20.
