Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has issued a stark warning to YouTube sensation Jake Paul ahead of their professional boxing match in Miami, declaring he will "outclass" his opponent.
The Stakes and The Scale
The highly-criticised bout, scheduled for Friday night, will see a significant size disparity between the fighters. At Thursday's official weigh-in, Joshua tipped the scales at 17st 5lbs, while Paul came in at 15st 6lbs. This gives the seasoned champion an advantage of almost two stone, a hefty 26.8lbs difference.
Paul, who transitioned from social media influencer to boxer, has built a 13-fight career largely against former UFC athletes or ageing boxing legends. Joshua's decision to participate in this contest has sparked considerable backlash within the traditional boxing community.
Pre-Fight Mind Games
Speaking to Netflix, which is broadcasting the event, Joshua delivered a confident and focused message. "I want them (fans) to pray for me, I want them to pray for my opponent 'cause he's going to need it," he stated. "I'm going to outclass this kid, I'm just going to outclass him. I'm a serious fighter, that's the difference, I'm a serious, serious fighter."
The weigh-in was not without its tense moment, as the pair raised their fists to each other in a confrontation. Joshua later downplayed the incident, insisting there was "mutual respect" and clarifying he had only told Paul: "Don't touch me."
Paul's Counter-Psychology
Jake Paul, however, presented a different narrative. The challenger claimed he had told Joshua he could smell fear. "I see something in his eyes, I truly do," Paul said. He framed the fight as a no-lose situation for himself, adding, "The pressure is on him. I'm fighting free, I've already won. This is a lose-lose situation for him."
The eight-round professional fight in Miami represents a major crossover event, pitting one of boxing's most decorated modern heavyweights against the sport's most prominent and disruptive digital age star. The outcome will be closely watched, with implications for both men's legacies and the evolving landscape of professional boxing.
