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Fighter's Mentality

"I will break his face and damage his physique. I aim to demonstrate I'm the better fighter," Joshua, 35, stated.

"I plan to overwhelm him. That's a fighter's mentality.

"I'm going to genuinely try to injure him. That's my intention."

Civil Exchange

Despite these statements, a calm Joshua and internet personality Jake Paul - typically recognized for his dramatics - exchanged pleasantries and remained civil with each other.

Jake Paul rather criticized former Joshua's rival the Cameroonian fighter and described him as "a joke" after the Cameroonian declined a bout proposal.

Targeting Tyson Fury

Joshua, in the meantime, criticized British opponent Fury - and rejected a million-pound wager 'The Gypsy King' says he will place on a victory for Paul.

"[Paul] outshines Fury - he's present here," Joshua said.

"I respect him for that."

Serious Fighter

Despite declaring he will punish Paul, Joshua refused to comment unfavorably about his opponent's boxing ability.

"Jake is a serious fighter," he stated.

Paul's Background

Paul - who initially became famous on the Disney Channel - has primarily boxed MMA fighters or declining opponents since entering professional boxing.

He lost to British fighter Tommy Fury in last year.

Financial Attraction

However, the novice is still one of boxing's greatest financial successes, consistently making substantial paydays.

Forecast and Confidence

The 28 year old anticipated a KO victory in rounds four or five and asserted he would derail the long-awaited Fury-Joshua bout, which is reportedly in the works for 2026.

"It will be my match with Fury next year," Paul declared.

Size Disparity

As the two fighters met for the customary stare-down, with their size difference on show, it drove home just how unlikely this whole event is - and how amazing it is that the bout is really going ahead.