British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has broken his silence on the controversial decision to face YouTube sensation Jake Paul in a professional bout next month.
The Blockbuster Announcement
The fight, confirmed for December 19 in Miami, will be streamed globally on Netflix and consists of eight three-minute rounds with full professional status. This marks Joshua's first appearance in the ring since his September 2024 knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium for the IBF heavyweight title.
Joshua's choice to accept what many are calling a mismatched bout against the internet personality has sparked intense debate within boxing circles, particularly concerning its impact on his legacy. The Brit is set to earn a staggering £70 million for the encounter.
Joshua's Justification
Speaking at a press conference in Miami, Joshua presented his reasoning for taking the fight. "You've got to give credit to Jake and his team. They reached out to me to be fair," Joshua stated. He described the offer as "a great opportunity" that aligned perfectly with his planned return to boxing.
"I wanted to take 12 months out of the game after Dubois," Joshua explained. "I've done that and it was time to get back to work. I was planning on fighting anyway, actually I would've been fighting this weekend if I had it my way. And this opportunity presented itself and I thought, 'yeah, why not'."
A Global Spectacle
Joshua expressed excitement about the unprecedented global attention the fight has generated. "It's massive, colossal, it's making big news," he said. "We're bringing marketability together with ability. Those two worlds collide."
The former champion emphasised the worldwide appeal, noting they're "bringing Europe, Africa, Asia, Nigeria... the whole world together to watch this show on Netflix. It's going to be phenomenal."
When confronted about critics of the matchup, Joshua remained unfazed. "I just address people that are for me," he stated firmly. "I don't address people that are against me. It's basics. I've got nothing to say to those people because they don't even come into my psyche."
In a surprising compliment that contained a dig at his long-time rival, Joshua praised Paul's mentality, calling him a "conqueror" and stating he's "better than Tyson Fury." Despite the respect, Joshua made his intentions clear, saying he plans to "hurt him" and is taking the challenge seriously.
The press conference maintained a positive tone throughout, contrasting sharply with the build-up to Paul's previous fight against Tommy Fury in 2023.
