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Fighter's Mindset

"I plan to injure his face and damage his physique. My goal is to show I'm the better fighter," Joshua, 35, stated.

"I plan to overwhelm him. That's the boxer's mindset.

"I intend to seriously aim to cause him pain. That's my intention."

Respectful Interaction

Despite these statements, a calm Joshua and social media star Jake Paul - typically famous for his showmanship - exchanged pleasantries and maintained decorum with each other.

Paul instead criticized former Joshua rival Francis Ngannou and called him "ridiculous" after the Cameroonian declined a fight offer.

Targeting Tyson Fury

Anthony Joshua, at the same time, criticized British rival Fury - and declined a million-pound wager 'The Gypsy King' says he will place on a Paul victory.

"Jake Paul outshines Tyson Fury - he's actually sitting here," Joshua said.

"I respect him for that."

Legitimate Opponent

In spite of stating he plans to punish Paul, Joshua refused to comment unfavorably about his opponent's boxing ability.

"Jake Paul is a legitimate boxer," he stated.

Paul's History

Jake Paul - who initially became famous on the Disney Channel - has primarily fought MMA fighters or declining opponents since entering professional boxing.

He was defeated by Briton Tommy Fury in 2023.

Financial Attraction

However, the relative newcomer is still one of boxing's largest money-making draws, regularly earning substantial financial rewards.

Forecast and Confidence

The 28 year old forecast a KO victory in round four or five and asserted he would prevent the much-anticipated Joshua–Fury fight, which is apparently being planned for 2026.

"It will be my match with Fury in the coming year," Paul said.

Size Disparity

As Joshua and Paul met for the customary face-off, with their physical disparity on show, it drove home just how improbable this complete situation is - and how remarkable it is that the match is actually going ahead.