Jake Paul has vowed to knock out Anthony Joshua in their highly anticipated fight on December 19th, declaring: “Next year it’s me and Tyson Fury.”
The two men met at the end of the first press conference, where Paul revealed how he plans to defeat the former heavyweight champion in an eight-round sanctioned bout in Miami.
“He’s one of the best heavyweights of all time, but I think it’s often difficult for heavyweights to fight smaller guys because of speed differences, footwork, angles, off-center head,” Paul said.
“All that power is great, but you just have to avoid that one shot for eight rounds — and I believe I can do that. I know I can pull him off, get points and make this a great fight.”
“Don’t respect me because I participated, but respect me because I win.”
Joshua responded: “Jake is a serious fighter. No one can underestimate him. I have to cut him, tear him apart, hurt him. Nothing more. I don’t care what anyone says. I have to do the job.”
AJ confirms training with Team Usyk
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Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul met for the first time ahead of their fight in Miami on December 19th. Credit: MVP/Netflix
Joshua has not fought since losing by knockout to Daniel Dubois last September.
He is linking up with reigning world champion Oleksandr Usyk’s team in preparation for the eight-round contest on December 19th.
Joshua revealed his parting ways with regular trainer Ben Davison, who told Boxing News Online last week that the contest was “not good for boxing”.
“I was invited to train with Team Usyk,” Joshua said.
“He’s one of the best players in the world, but it’s not all because of him. It’s also because of the team around him. So I worked with them and got a great insight into a guy who achieved so much.”
“It was a great experience and very challenging.”
Joshua admitted that he hasn’t sparred with Usyk, adding, “I don’t spar with Usyk. He’s been in and out of camp and is currently training elsewhere.”
Paul wants Fury after knocking out AJ
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Paul has called for a fight with Tyson Fury in 2026 after vowing to knock out Joshua. Credit: MVP/Netflix
In addition to knocking out Joshua, YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul has vowed to topple promoter Eddie Hearn at the top of Matchroom Boxing ahead of his doorstep plans to set up a mouth-watering all-British bout with former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
“It would be a big mistake to ignore me,” Paul added. “I’m canceling all those plans. Don’t book any flights or hotels. I’m going to knock this guy out, become the CEO of Matchroom Boxing, change my plans, and it’s going to be me who faces Tyson Fury next year.”
“Look at what happened the last time they came to America and the plan they had. Andy Ruiz stopped it. This is Andy Ruiz 2.0.”
AJ confirms rehydration clause is not enforced
Safety concerns over the weight difference were compounded by the fact that Joshua’s limit was 111 kg (245 lbs) and there was no post-weigh-in hydration clause.
“That’s right,” Joshua said. “111kg (245 pounds) is what I have to weigh in. That’s what I’m focused on. Everything after that is a bonus.”
