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Fighter's Mentality

"I'm going to damage his features and break his body up. I aim to demonstrate I'm superior," Joshua, 35 years old, said.

"I plan to overwhelm him. That's how fighters think.

"I will genuinely try to injure him. That's my goal."

Civil Exchange

Despite these statements, a relaxed Joshua and internet personality Jake Paul - usually recognized for his theatrics - shared friendly words and kept it respectful with each other.

Paul rather criticized ex Joshua rival Francis Ngannou and described him as "a joke" after the Cameroonian rejected a fight offer.

Taking Aim at Fury

Anthony Joshua, in the meantime, took aim at UK opponent Tyson Fury - and refused a million-pound wager 'Tyson Fury' states he will put on a Paul win.

"[Paul] is better than Fury - he's present here," the boxer commented.

"I respect him for that."

Serious Opponent

Despite stating he plans to punish Paul, Joshua declined to talk badly about his opponent's boxing ability.

"Jake is a serious fighter," he said.

Paul's Background

Paul - who initially became famous on the Disney Channel - has primarily fought MMA fighters or faded names since becoming pro.

He lost to Briton Tommy Fury in 2023.

Commercial Attraction

Nevertheless, the relative newcomer remains one of the sport's largest commercial attractions, consistently making huge paydays.

Prediction and Confidence

The 28 year old anticipated a knockout win in the fourth or fifth round and stated he would derail the much-anticipated Joshua–Fury fight, which is apparently under discussion for 2026.

"It's going to be myself against Tyson Fury next year," Paul declared.

Size Difference

As Joshua and Paul met for the traditional stare-down, with their height and weight contrast on show, it highlighted just how unlikely this entire matchup is - and how astonishing it is that the fight is really proceeding.