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Fighter's Mentality

"I plan to damage his features and hurt his body. I aim to demonstrate I'm the better fighter," the British boxer, 35 years old, said.

"I plan to overwhelm him. That's the boxer's mindset.

"I will seriously aim to cause him pain. That's what I want to do."

Respectful Exchange

Despite those words, a calm Joshua and social media star Paul - normally recognized for his theatrics - shared friendly words and kept it respectful with each other.

Paul rather targeted former Joshua opponent Francis Ngannou and labeled him "not serious" after Ngannou rejected a match opportunity.

Targeting Tyson Fury

Joshua, in the meantime, targeted British rival Tyson Fury - and refused a million-pound wager 'The Gypsy King' claims he will make on a Paul victory.

"[Paul] outshines Tyson Fury - he's actually sitting here," the boxer said.

"I acknowledge that."

Serious Opponent

Despite saying he intends to damage his opponent, Joshua declined to talk badly about his rival's boxing ability.

"Jake Paul is a legitimate boxer," he said.

Jake Paul's History

Jake Paul - who first rose to fame on the Disney Channel - has mostly boxed MMA fighters or past-their-prime fighters since entering professional boxing.

He was defeated by British fighter Fury in 2023.

Commercial Attraction

However, the relative newcomer remains one of boxing's largest money-making draws, frequently receiving huge earnings.

Prediction and Confidence

The 28-year-old predicted a stoppage in the fourth or fifth round and asserted he would derail the long-awaited Joshua–Fury fight, which is reportedly in the works for 2026.

"It will be my match with Fury in the coming year," Paul said.

Physical Difference

As the two fighters met for the usual confrontation, with their size difference on show, it drove home just how unlikely this whole event is - and how remarkable it is that the match is truly going ahead.