Two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul have intensified the hype ahead of their £100m clash, with both fighters promising knockouts during a fiery face-off in Miami.
The highly anticipated eight-round bout, set for December 19 at the Kaseya Centre and streamed globally on Netflix, has captured massive attention due to the stark difference in experience, size and pedigree between the pair.
Joshua, fighting for the first time since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, issued a ferocious warning, vowing to “break” Paul in the ring.
“It’s massive. It’s colossal. We’re bringing marketability together with ability,” Joshua said. “If I’m going to be honest, I’m going to break his face, break his body up, and stomp all over him.”
The 6’6” British heavyweight towered over Paul at the face-off, but the American remained unfazed, declaring he is prepared to “die in the ring” to win.
“I just have to avoid that one shot for eight rounds,” Paul said. “I want him to cut me up, break my face — but he’s going to have to kill me to stop me. I’m ready to die to win this fight.”
Paul (12-1, 7 KOs), who praised Joshua as “one of the best heavyweights ever,” insists his strategy will rely on speed, angles and discipline. He expects to weigh between 215–225 pounds, while Joshua must not exceed 245 pounds due to a contracted limit.
Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) revealed he is now training with the team of world champion Oleksandr Usyk after separating from long-time trainer Ben Davison. “I got a great insight into someone who has achieved so much,” he said.
Paul, however, is already looking ahead — boldly predicting a knockout victory over Joshua before calling out former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
“I’m knocking this guy out, becoming CEO of Matchroom Boxing, and then it’s me versus Tyson Fury next year,” he declared.
Promoter Eddie Hearn dismissed claims the matchup is a mismatch, describing it as a profitable warm-up before Joshua pursues major fights in 2026.
“This isn’t about fighting Jake Paul and retiring,” Hearn said. “We have massive plans for 2026. We’ll take the career-high payday and move on to serious business next year.”
With both men promising a violent finish, the Miami showdown is shaping up as one of the most talked-about events of the year.
