Sports
Anthony Joshua says Jake Paul is ‘delusional’ with American aiming to ‘shock the world’
Jake Paul has outlined his intention to beat Anthony Joshua and then take on Tyson Fury next year, claims his immediate opponent say are “delusional”.
Paul and Joshua will face off in Miami six days before Christmas in a hastily-arranged and hugely lucrative fight that reports suggest could see each man receive in the region of £70million.
For YouTuber-turned boxer Paul this is a major step up in class and size – former IBF, WBO and WBA world heavyweight champion Joshua towered over him at today’s first media conference – but the 28-year-old was full of his customary bravado and pointed out previous surprise defeats the Briton has suffered.
Paul said: ”It’s a massive mistake to look past this fight. I’m knocking this guy out and becoming the CEO of Matchroom Boxing. It’s going to be me v Tyson Fury next year.
“Look what happened when they last came to America. This is Andy Ruiz 2.0.”
I’m here to shock the world – Paul
Many experienced boxing pundits are concerned for Paul and fear he may suffer serious injury if Joshua decides to unload on the American.
“I like to challenge myself. I’m here to go out and shock the world,” added Paul. “I see what he’s capable of but I’m ready for a war. I’ve got to where I am today because of delusion. No one ever thought this would be possible when I started boxing.
”I’ve already won at every single thing in life, I’ve accomplished all my dreams.
“I’ve become the biggest YouTuber in the world and had the most viewed fight in the history of boxing.
“I’ve never been knocked down or knocked out even in training.
“He has to deal with me too.”
The fight will take place over eight three-minute rounds with Joshua’s weight capped at 17st 7lbs.
Joshua, who has been training with WBC and WBA heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, was adamant he wouldn’t underestimate Paul, saying: “Jake is a serious fighter. When I started boxing I walked into the gym and three years later I was at the Olympics. He’s been boxing for five years now.
“You can’t underestimate anyone. I’ve realigned my energy.
“I need to cut him up, break him up and hurt him.
“I’ve been drilled in the camp of the three-time undisputed champion Usyk.
“I need to break Jake’s delusion.”
Purse persuades Joshua to return to the big time
Joshua was intending to take a low-key fight towards the end of the year but the size of the purse persuaded him to follow a different path.
“You’ve got to give credit to Jake and his team for reaching out,” added Joshua, who has not fought since a crushing defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley last September.
“I wanted to take 12 months out of the game and get back to work. I was planning on fighting anyway and this opportunity presented itself.
“It’s massive, colossal – Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua, we’re bringing the whole world together to watch this.”
