Anthony Joshua had Jake Paul shaking with a damning post-match message following their final face-off on Thursday night.
The two-time unified heavyweight champion steps into the ring for the first time since September 2024 when he locks horns with YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul in Miami on Friday night.
The professional encounter promises to be one of the most-viewed in boxing history and will be shown live globally on Netflix.
The weigh-in for the event at the Kaseya Center took was held at Fillmore Miami Beach, with Joshua successfully coming in within the unusual 245lbs weigh limit that was set.
Advert
Though such restrictions are not normally imposed within the heavyweight division, the rule was made as a matter of fairness to compensate for Paul coming up from cruiserweight.
'The Problem Child', who is 12-1 in professional boxing, has weighed in nearly two stone lighter at 216.4lbs.
Tensions were heightened in the last face-off where Joshua took issue with Paul putting his fist to his face and repeatedly telling him, "Don't touch my face".
The two then posed on stage for the fans in attendance and the world's media, with Joshua making his intentions clear by performing a throat-slitting gesture after his "kill" comments.
The 36-year-old then made his final comments on stage in an interview with Ariel Helwani and sent a chilling message to his opponent.
"I have to be victorious," Joshua said.
"The games are done, it's time to lock in. I want him to pray for me, I want him to pray for my opponent because he's going to need it. I'll just outclass this kid. I'm a serious fighter, that's just the difference. You're gonna get f***ed up."
The camera panned to Paul and his elder brother Logan and although he was smiling, there looked to be a sense of fear
Despite his proclamation, Joshua insisted there is "mutual respect" between he and Paul and they were again close together for another interview.
Paul claimed that he smells "fear" from Joshua as he "sees something in his eyes". He also stated the pressure is on 'AJ' in a "lose-lose situation" as he is "fighting free" and has "already won".
How to watch Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua if you don’t have Netflix
If you don’t already have Netflix, there is a workaround to essentially get it for ‘free’ as part of a bargain bundle.
Sky is currently offering its ‘Stream on Screen’ package - including Netflix, discovery+ and much more - for just £15/ month. It’s Sky’s lowest-ever price and will allow you to watch the big fight live along with Sky Atlantic, Sky Stream and Sky Essential TV.
Browse deals here.
Topics: Anthony Joshua, Jake Paul
Josh Lawless