Heavyweight star Anthony Joshua has offered a remarkably candid insight into his career rebuild as he prepares for his high-profile bout against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul this Friday night in Miami.
A Refocused Mindset and Pain Transformed
In an exclusive interview, the former two-time unified heavyweight champion admitted he had gone "off track for a few years" by being distracted with business ventures outside the ring. Joshua pinpointed a video of legendary trainer Cus D'Amato telling Mike Tyson his mind wasn't on his work as the moment of clarity that prompted him to shut down all his side projects and devote himself fully to boxing again.
He describes carrying significant pain from past defeats, but states it has now transformed. "My mind is filled with a different kind of pain. Just the stuff I want to do to my opponents," Joshua explained. His focus is now singular: "How can I beat up my sparring partner? How can I look good?" He insists he is no longer preoccupied with VAT bills or staff rotas, but solely on the mental and physical preparation required to win.
Unlikely Alliances and Future Foes
This mental reset has been accompanied by a surprising tactical shift. Joshua has been training alongside members of Oleksandr Usyk's team, the camp that defeated him twice. Far from harbouring resentment, he found revelation in their methods, crediting a renewed focus on prayer and visualisation for a marked improvement in his skillset.
While focused on the immediate task of facing Jake Paul, Joshua was firm about a potential future opponent. When asked about Tyson Fury, he stated bluntly, "Forget Tyson. I don't like that guy... Tyson's a hater." He suggested the feeling was mutual and that Fury should focus on himself. However, with plans quietly forming for a potential September showdown, that indifference may not last long.
Legacy, Spectacle, and the Real Meaning of 'Killing'
Joshua is acutely aware that his fight with the social media sensation Jake Paul has sparked debate about his legacy. His response to critics is philosophical: "I respect their opinion. I don't live by their standards." He reveals he had reached a point where he wanted to avoid media entirely and just fight, even exploring the possibility of a low-profile bout in Saudi Arabia.
He also addressed his controversial comments about wanting to "kill" Jake Paul in the ring, seeking to clarify his meaning. "I'm not talking about down the alleyway and robbing his chain," he said. "We're in that type of industry where we can actually physically harm someone and it's legal, that's what we sign up for." He emphasised there is mutual respect, but admitted the desire to hurt his opponent is genuine: "I swear it's what is in my heart. I can't lie to you."
Approaching the spectacle with a calmer, clearer mindset, Joshua has reframed his view of failure. He notes that legends like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson also lost, concluding, "if AJ loses, so what?" His goal now is simple: to compete at his peak, free from distraction, and take back control of his storied career.
