Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has issued a stark warning to YouTube sensation turned boxer Jake Paul, detailing the psychological and physical onslaught he plans to unleash in their highly anticipated Christmas showdown.
The Stage is Set for a Miami Showdown
The boxing world was sent into a frenzy when news broke that the pair had finalised a deal to face off in the ring. The professional heavyweight bout is officially scheduled for December 19 in Miami, Florida, and will be contested over eight three-minute rounds, with both fighters wearing 10oz gloves.
Jake Paul enters this fight following a dominant decision victory over former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in June. Anthony Joshua, however, is coming off a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, adding a layer of intrigue to this crossover clash.
Joshua's Blueprint: Relentless Pressure
At a recent launch press conference in Miami, the atmosphere was surprisingly cordial, but the visual of the towering Joshua looming over Paul during their stare-down sent a clear message. The boxing fraternity widely expects an easy night for the seasoned champion, and Joshua himself has outlined his brutal game plan.
He explained that Paul will immediately feel an 'immense amount of pressure' from the opening bell. Joshua intends to be a constant hunter, cutting off the ring and giving his opponent no respite.
"What he will automatically feel is... imagine if you are on the back-foot and you know this guy who is coming forward is looking to take your head off," Joshua stated. "So, even when you are not punching, you are feeling immense amount of pressure. And it takes a seasoned athlete to be able to deal with that pressure."
He dismissed the idea of any in-ring truces, vowing to apply constant duress. "I am not that kind of fighter. I am going to be putting pressure on you even when you are not punching," he asserted. Joshua believes the true test for Paul will be handling the intangibles of elite boxing—the feints, the distance control, and the psychological warfare—elements he claims Paul may not have encountered before.
Paul's Defiance and Prediction
Despite being a significant underdog, Jake Paul remains characteristically confident. He acknowledges that few give him a chance but welcomes the opportunity to shock the world.
"No one thinks I’m going to win so join the list and be ready to be shocked," Paul declared. Highlighting his own power and tricky style, he warned Joshua: "It's the shots you don't see coming, and I'm a tricky knockout artist; he has to be careful."
Paul boldly predicted a fourth or fifth-round knockout and emphasised his extreme determination, stating, "I'm ready to die to win this fight." While he has some experience at heavyweight, including a points victory over the legendary Mike Tyson in November of the previous year, this fight against Joshua is universally seen as his toughest challenge yet.
How to Watch the Fight
For fans in the UK, the event presents a late night. Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul are expected to walk to the ring at around 4am UK time on December 20, with the schedule tailored for the American audience. The entire event will be streamed live on Netflix, making it one of the most accessible major boxing events of the year.
