Anthony Joshua said he would “outclass” Jake Paul in their heavyweight clash in Miami on Friday night.
Former two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua will boast an almost two-stone advantage over Youtuber-turned-boxer Paul in their highly-criticised professional bout across eight three-minute rounds.
Given Paul’s 13-fight career consists mainly of former UFC stars or faded boxing greats, this contest and Joshua’s involvement has sparked a backlash in the boxing world.
Thursday’s official weigh-in is unlikely to silence sceptics with Joshua tipping the scales at 17st 5lbs.
Anthony Joshua will have a BIG weight advantage over Jake Paul tomorrow night 😳
⚖️ Anthony Joshua - 243.4lbs
⚖️ Jake Paul - 216.6lbs
📈 Difference - 26.8lbs pic.twitter.com/H7ii5aID5z
Paul, who has regularly fought at cruiserweight since he swapped life as an influencer to enter the world of boxing, came in at 15st 6lbs to give away a hefty 26.8lbs difference.
“I want them (fans) to pray for me, I want them to pray for my opponent ’cause he’s going to need it,” Joshua told Netflix.
“I’m going to outclass this kid, I’m just going to outclass him.
“I’m a serious fighter, that’s the difference, I’m a serious, serious fighter.”
Joshua shrugged off a confrontation in their head-to-head after the weigh-in as the pair raised their fists to each other.
He insisted there was “mutual respect” between the pair and said he only told Paul: “Don’t touch me.”
Paul said he had told Joshua he smelled fear.
“I see something in his eyes, I truly do,” he said.
“The pressure is on him. I’m fighting free, I’ve already won. This is a lose-lose situation for him.”
Anthony Joshua weighs in almost two stone heavier than Jake Paul for Miami fight
Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua size difference confirmed after official weigh-in
Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul betting tips: AJ to deliver knockout Netflix performance
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: Date, start time, undercard and is it free on Netflix?
Emotional Rory McIlroy ends ‘dream year’ with the award he wanted all along
Ashes 2025 live score: Australia lead by 102 at lunch as England all out for 286