Paul and Joshua held their first joint press conference in the US on 21/11, ahead of their fight at Kaseya Center, Miami, on 19/12. This professional bout will consist of 8 rounds, each lasting three minutes. Both boxers will wear 0,28 kg gloves and must meet a weight limit of 111 kg.

Jake Paul (left) and Anthony Joshua during their face-off in Miami, US, on 21/11. Photo: Netflix

Despite being widely considered the underdog, Paul – the social media star who transitioned into boxing – expressed confidence, stating his ambitions extend beyond Joshua. The American fighter claimed to have discovered a strategy to defeat the former world champion.

"Joshua is one of the great heavyweights, but for them, dealing with a smaller opponent is much harder", Paul said. "I have speed, movement, and angles that make it difficult for him to anticipate. All he has is power, and I just need to evade that decisive punch for eight rounds. I believe I can do it".

Paul further emphasized that fans should not respect him merely for stepping into the ring with a former world heavyweight boxing champion. "Respect me because I will win", the 28-year-old boxer stated.

Following this, Jake Paul continued to cause a stir by declaring his intention to challenge another former heavyweight boxing champion, Tyson Fury, in 2026. He even stated he would "dethrone" Eddie Hearn – the promoter for Matchroom Boxing – if he defeats Joshua. Paul likened himself to "Andy Ruiz 2.0", referencing the upset Ruiz caused by beating Joshua in New York in 2019.

"Don't book flights, don't book hotels for big plans. I'm going to ruin everything", Paul stated. "I'm going to knock out Joshua, become CEO of Matchroom Boxing, then fight Tyson Fury next year. Look what happened last time they came to America with plans? Andy Ruiz ruined it all. I am Andy Ruiz 2.0".

Joshua – the British fighter who has not competed since his defeat by Daniel Dubois 14 months ago – responded calmly. "Jake is a real fighter. You can't underestimate anyone in boxing", Joshua said. "I have to hook, jab, I have to hurt him. It's not complicated. I just need to do my job".

The British boxer also confirmed he is no longer working with coach Ben Davison. Previously, Davison told Boxing News Online that a fight between Joshua and Jake Paul was not good for boxing. No longer part of his old team, Joshua revealed he accepted an invitation to train with the team of current world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

"Usyk is one of the best fighters on the planet", Joshua said. "But it's not just him; it's also the team behind him. I want to learn from a group that has achieved so much". He described the experience as great and challenging, while denying direct sparring with Usyk, stating the Ukrainian champion is training elsewhere.

Hong Duy (according to Sky Sports)