Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul came face to face for the final time on Thursday at the ceremonial weigh-in ahead of their highly anticipated bout Friday night at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
Joshua, a former two-time heavyweight champion, appeared in imposing condition as he rose into view, while Paul attempted to draw attention by flexing across the stage. When they met center stage, Paul crawled forward before standing nose-to-nose with Joshua, poking at his midsection. Joshua quickly grabbed Paul’s hand and told him to stop.
Speaking afterward, Joshua struck a serious tone. He said there was mutual respect between two fighters entering the ring, but stressed that victory was non-negotiable. Reflecting on his mindset, Joshua told fans he wanted prayers not just for himself, but for Paul. He promised to outclass his opponent, repeatedly emphasizing that he is a “serious fighter” and warning that Paul was in danger once the bell rang.
Paul fired back immediately, mocking Joshua’s physique and claiming he sensed fear. He insisted the pressure was entirely on Joshua, describing himself as fighting freely with nothing to lose. Paul said the bout represented belief and possibility, framing the fight as proof that self-confidence can defy expectations, before predicting a knockout in the sixth or seventh round.
Joshua closed the exchange alongside his long-time promoter Eddie Hearn, pointing out that Hearn had promoted Paul’s professional debut and was now overseeing the fight he believes will end Paul’s boxing run. Hearn echoed the sentiment, wishing Paul luck but bluntly stating that when fight night arrives, “it all ends.”
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