Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: YouTuber vows AJ knockout and targets Tyson Fury fight in 2026
Jake Paul promised to knock out Anthony Joshua in their eagerly anticipated fight on December 19 before declaring: “It’s going to be me vs Tyson Fury next year.”
The pair went face to face at the end of the first press conference, where Paul revealed how he plans to beat the former heavyweight champion in their sanctioned eight-round contest in Miami
“He is one of the best heavyweights ever, but I believe fighting a smaller man is often harder for a heavyweight because of the speed difference, the footwork, the angles, the head being off-centre,” Paul said.
“All that power is great, but I just have to avoid that one shot for eight rounds – and I believe I can do that. I know I can pick him apart, score points, and make this a great contest.
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua
12–1–0
Record
28–4–0
7
Wins by KO
25
200 lb (90.7 kg)
Weight
245 lb (111 kg)
Crusierweight
Weight class
Heavyweight
Julio Cesar Chavez, won by UD
Last fight
Daniel Dubois, lost by KO
“Don’t respect me just for getting in there; respect me because I’m going to win.”
Joshua responded by saying: “Jake is a serious fighter. You cannot underestimate anyone. I need to cut him up, break him up and hurt him. There is nothing more to it. It doesn’t matter what anyone else says, I need to do a job.”
AJ confirms training with Team Usyk
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Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul went face-to-face for the first time ahead of their fight in Miami on December 19. Credit: MVP/Netflix
Joshua has not fought since his devasting knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September last year.
He has linked up with the team behind reigning world champion Oleksandr Usyk to prepare for the eight-round contest on December 19.
Joshua revealed the split from his regular trainer Ben Davison, who last week told Boxing News Online that the contest was “not good for boxing”.
“I was invited to train with Team Usyk,” Joshua said.
“He’s one of the best in the world, and it’s not all down to him. It’s also down to the team that’s around him, so I’ve linked up with them and got a great insight into someone who has achieved so much.
“It’s been a great experience and it’s very challenging.”
Joshua confirmed he had not sparred Usyk, adding: “I don’t spar with Usyk. He’s in and out of camp and is training elsewhere at the moment.”
Paul wants Fury after knocking AJ out
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Paul called for a fight against Tyson Fury in 2026 after vowing to knock out Joshua. Credit: MVP/Netflix
In addition to knocking Joshua out, YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul vowed to overthrow promoter Eddie Hearn at the summit of Matchroom Boxing before gate-crashing plans to set up a mouth-watering all-British bout against former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
“It’s a massive mistake to look past me,” Paul added. “I’m putting a stop to all those plans – don’t book flights or hotels. I’m knocking this guy out, becoming the CEO of Matchroom Boxing, changing the plans, and it’s going to be me against Tyson Fury next year.
“Look what happened the last time they came to America and the plans they had. Andy Ruiz stopped that. This is Andy Ruiz 2.0.”
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AJ confirms no rehydration clause in force
Safety concerns over the weight disparity were amplified by Joshua’s 111kg (245lbs) limit, with no rehydration clause in force after the weigh-in.
“That is the case,” Joshua said. “111kg (245lbs) is what I’ve got to weigh in at. That is what I am focusing on. Anything else after that is a bonus.”
