I will dominate 'legitimate combatant' Jake Paul - Joshua

Boxer's Mentality

"I'm going to break his face and hurt his body. I aim to demonstrate my superiority," Joshua, 35, declared.

"I will dominate him completely. That's how fighters think.

"I will seriously aim to cause him pain. That's my intention."

Civil Interaction

In spite of these statements, a calm Anthony Joshua and social media star Jake Paul - typically known for his theatrics - exchanged pleasantries and maintained decorum with each other.

Paul instead targeted former Joshua's opponent the Cameroonian fighter and called him "a joke" after Ngannou turned down a bout proposal.

Taking Aim at Tyson Fury

Anthony Joshua, meanwhile, criticized British rival Tyson Fury - and rejected a £1m bet 'The Gypsy King' claims he will make on a Paul victory.

"Jake Paul outshines Tyson Fury - he's actually sitting here," Joshua stated.

"I give him credit for that."

Serious Opponent

Despite declaring he will damage his opponent, Joshua declined to talk badly about his rival's pugilistic talent.

"Jake Paul is a credible opponent," he stated.

Paul's Background

Paul - who first rose to fame on the television network - has mostly boxed mixed martial artists or faded names since entering professional boxing.

He was defeated by British fighter Tommy Fury in last year.

Commercial Attraction

Nevertheless, the relative newcomer is still one of the sport's biggest commercial attractions, regularly earning huge financial rewards.

Prediction and Confidence

The 28 year old predicted a knockout win in round four or five and stated he would stop the long-awaited Fury-Joshua bout, which is apparently being planned for 2026.

"It's going to be myself against Tyson Fury next year," Jake Paul said.

Physical Disparity

As Joshua and Paul participated in the customary stare-down, with their size difference evident, it emphasized just how unlikely this complete situation is - and how remarkable it is that the bout is really going ahead.