In a moment of light-hearted tension, Anthony Joshua made a playful grab for Jake Paul's ostentatious chain as the two fighters faced off for the final time before their blockbuster showdown in Miami.
The Playful Prelude to a Heavyweight Clash
The incident occurred on Thursday night, the penultimate face-off before the pair meet in the ring at the Miami-Dade Arena on Friday, December 19. Towering over the YouTube star-turned-boxer, the former unified world champion reached out and snatched at Paul's jewellery, with both men sharing a joke amidst the intense build-up.
This fight marks Anthony Joshua's first bout in 15 months, following his brutal knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. The Brit had initially planned a low-key comeback in Saudi Arabia last month but was swayed by the staggering £70 million payday on offer to face the social media sensation.
Paul's Bold Claim and Joshua's Weight of Expectation
Earlier in the proceedings, Jake Paul made the bold assertion that he has been the sport's greatest benefactor in recent years. "No one has done more for the sport of boxing in the last decade than myself," Paul declared. "So if people cared about boxing they would want me to win... I think that I'm more important for boxing."
Despite his confidence, Paul faces a monumental challenge in only his 14th professional fight. His record has been built largely against former MMA fighters like Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley—who feature on the undercard—and a 58-year-old Mike Tyson.
Joshua, meanwhile, acknowledged the pressure resting on his shoulders to halt the 'Paul juggernaut'. "If you look at the people that don't want me to be here but they want me to put an end to Jake Paul's show, I understand it and that's why I have to carry boxing on my back with this fight," Joshua stated. He emphasised that the opportunity, not the money, was his primary motivation, calling it a chance to "showcase my skills to the world."
How to Watch the Miami Spectacle
The highly anticipated heavyweight clash will be streamed live globally on Netflix. UK fans can access the fight for free by taking advantage of Sky's £15 Essential TV bundle, which includes a Netflix subscription.
As the final preparations are made, the playful chain-snatching moment has added a memorable chapter to the fight's promotion, blending humour with the serious business of a professional boxing match that has captured the world's attention.
