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Boxer's Mentality

"I will damage his features and break his body up. My goal is to show my superiority," Joshua, 35, stated.

"I'll stamp all over him. That's how fighters think.

"I'm going to genuinely try to hurt him. That's my goal."

Civil Interaction

Despite these statements, a calm Joshua and social media star Paul - usually famous for his dramatics - shared friendly words and kept it respectful with each other.

Paul instead attacked ex Joshua's opponent the Cameroonian fighter and labeled him "ridiculous" after the Cameroonian rejected a fight offer.

Taking Aim at Fury

Joshua, in the meantime, criticized British rival Tyson Fury - and declined a £1m bet 'Tyson Fury' says he will place on a Paul win.

"[Paul] is superior to Fury - he showed up," Joshua stated.

"I acknowledge that."

Legitimate Fighter

Despite saying he intends to damage his opponent, Joshua refused to comment unfavorably about his rival's fighting skills.

"Jake Paul is a credible opponent," he stated.

Jake Paul's History

Paul - who originally gained popularity on the television network - has mostly fought mixed martial artists or declining opponents since entering professional boxing.

He lost to British fighter Tommy Fury in 2023.

Commercial Attraction

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

Forecast and Confidence

The 28-year-old anticipated a KO victory in the fourth or fifth round and asserted he would prevent the long-awaited Joshua–Fury fight, which is allegedly being planned for 2026.

"It's going to be my match with Fury next year," Paul stated.

Physical Disparity

As both boxers participated in the customary stare-down, with their size difference on show, it highlighted just how improbable this entire matchup is - and how amazing it is that the match is really proceeding.