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Fighter's Mindset

"I plan to damage his features and break his body up. I aim to demonstrate I'm superior," the British boxer, 35 years old, declared.

"I'll stamp all over him. That's the boxer's mindset.

"I intend to genuinely try to injure him. That's my goal."

Respectful Exchange

Despite such comments, a relaxed Anthony Joshua and social media star Jake Paul - typically known for his dramatics - exchanged pleasantries and remained civil with each other.

Jake Paul instead attacked former Joshua's opponent the Cameroonian fighter and described him as "a joke" after Ngannou rejected a match opportunity.

Taking Aim at Fury

Joshua, meanwhile, targeted UK opponent Tyson Fury - and declined a £1m bet 'The Gypsy King' says he will place on a Paul win.

"Jake Paul is better than Tyson Fury - he showed up," the boxer commented.

"I give him credit for that."

Serious Opponent

Despite declaring he will damage his opponent, Anthony Joshua chose not to talk badly about his opponent's boxing ability.

"Jake Paul is a credible opponent," he said.

Jake Paul's History

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

He was defeated by Briton Tommy Fury in last year.

Commercial Attraction

However, the inexperienced fighter is still one of the sport's biggest money-making draws, regularly earning substantial paydays.

Prediction and Belief

The 28 year old forecast a knockout win in round four or five and claimed he would derail the much-anticipated Fury-Joshua bout, which is reportedly under discussion for 2026.

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

Size Disparity

As Joshua and Paul met for the usual confrontation, with their size difference on show, it highlighted just how unlikely this whole event is - and how remarkable it is that the bout is actually proceeding.