Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua have nothing left to do but fight.
On Friday, Paul and Joshua face off in an eight-round heavyweight fight at Kaseya Center in Miami, which will be broadcast live on Netflix in an event that figures to be one of the biggest of the year.
The fight is a rebuke to Paul’s detractors; for the first time, Paul is not only fighting an elite boxer, but one who also holds a considerable size advantage over him, coming in 27 pounds heavier at the weigh-ins. And that size disparity was on full display at the ceremonial weigh-ins on Thursday, where Paul and Anthony faced off for the final time before the fight.
During the faceoff, Paul animatedly spoke to Joshua, seemingly irritating the former champion, who stared daggers into Paul even after they separated. But Joshua betrayed no sign of annoyance in his final interview moments later.
“Nothing. It’s all good,” Joshua said. “As long as the crowd enjoyed it, that’s the main thing. There’s a mutual respect there because we’re two fighters getting in the ring, but ultimately, I have to be victorious, and that’s what I’m focused on. What it is now, the games are done. Time to lock in.”
Joshua also gave his prediction for the fight.
“I just outclass this kid, that’s all it is. I’m going to outclass him. I’m a serious fighter; that’s the difference. I’m a serious, serious fighter. You’re going to get f*cked up. It is what it is.”
Paul then came over, and again he and Joshua faced off, while Paul gave his final thoughts on the bout.
“I said I smell fear,” Paul said. “I see something in his eyes, I truly do. …
“The pressure’s on him, I’m fighting free. I’ve already won. This is a lose-lose situation for him. I’ve got him in a corner, right where I want him.”
Paul, similarly, gave his prediction for the bout to emcee, Ariel Helwani.
“Probably the sixth or seventh round knockout [doing the ’6-7’ hand motion]”, Paul said. “I’m f*cking him up, Ariel! I’m f*cking him up!!!”
The two men then departed the stage, but not before Anthony delivered one parting shot to Paul, looping in his promoter, Eddie Hearn, who has some history with Paul.
“This right here is the man that started Jake’s pro career,” Joshua said of Hearn. “He helped Jake have his pro debut, and he’s brought me in to end Jake Paul’s boxing career.”
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