🔗 Share this article

Fighter's Mentality

"I'm going to injure his face and hurt his body. My goal is to show I'm the better fighter," the British boxer, 35 years old, stated.

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

"I will genuinely try to hurt him. That's what I want to do."

Civil Interaction

Despite those words, a relaxed Anthony Joshua and social media star Jake Paul - typically known for his theatrics - shared friendly words and maintained decorum with each other.

Paul instead attacked ex Joshua's rival Francis Ngannou and described him as "not serious" after the Cameroonian declined a match opportunity.

Targeting Fury

Anthony Joshua, meanwhile, took aim at UK opponent Tyson Fury - and declined a £1m bet 'The Gypsy King' states he will put on a victory for Paul.

"Jake Paul is better than Fury - he showed up," Joshua said.

"I give him credit for that."

Serious Opponent

In spite of stating he plans to damage his opponent, Anthony Joshua refused to talk badly about his rival's pugilistic talent.

"Jake is a credible opponent," he said.

Jake Paul's Background

Jake Paul - who originally gained popularity on the Disney Channel - has mainly boxed mixed martial artists or past-their-prime fighters since becoming pro.

He was defeated by Briton Tommy Fury in last year.

Commercial Success

Still, the inexperienced fighter is still one of the sport's largest money-making draws, regularly earning huge financial rewards.

Prediction and Confidence

The 28 year old anticipated a knockout win in the fourth or fifth round and claimed he would derail the highly-expected Joshua–Fury fight, which is apparently being planned for two years from now.

"The next fight will be myself against Tyson Fury in the coming year," Paul said.

Size Disparity

As both boxers met for the customary face-off, with their height and weight contrast evident, it highlighted just how unlikely this entire matchup is - and how remarkable it is that the bout is actually happening.