Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua traded hot words at their pre-fight weigh-in on Thursday. It set a tense tone just hours before they meet in the ring. Paul used the moment to taunt Joshua and promise a violent start. As for the latter, he stayed calm and answered in measured terms about his focus.
Jake Paul calls out Anthony Joshua ahead of their bout
At the weigh-in, Jake Paul celebrated his listed weight of 216 pounds and then yelled directly at Anthony Joshua. “You listen to me, brother,” Paul shouted on stage. “When the ring bells, I’m coming in there, and I’m coming on his *ss!” The outburst was one of several bold lines Paul had used to rage bait his opponent.
Jake Paul later framed the fight as a significant downturn in a pre-fight press event. “This is the Giants vs the Patriots 2007,” he said, and called the match “the biggest upset in the history of sports.” He added that he believes he is “more important for boxing” and that if people care about the sport, they should want him to win (via Sky Sports).
Anthony Joshua, who weighed in heavier at 243.3 pounds, kept a cooler public tone. After the weigh-in, he told reporters he had “mutual respect” for Paul but was focused on winning. In a separate interview, he was more direct about the outcome he expects.
He said, “I outclass this kid. I’m a serious fighter. That’s the difference. You’re going to get f**ked up.” He also brought promoter Eddie Hearn forward, saying Hearn helped launch Paul’s career and has now brought Joshua in to end it.
The sanctioned, eight-round fight will use 10-ounce gloves and take place on Friday at the Kaseya Center in Florida. The bout will stream live on Netflix, following the platform’s recent move into high-profile boxing events.
