Jake Paul continues to push his boxing journey into new extremes. After his original date with Gervonta Davis fell apart because Davis became tied up in a serious legal case, Paul insisted he would compete again in 2025. Few believed he would end up standing across from Anthony Joshua, a two time heavyweight title holder with 28 victories and 25 stoppages.
The meeting is set for December 19th in Miami, and Paul accepted the bout despite entering as a massive underdog. He told reporters in Florida that he plans to meet Joshua with absolute conviction.
When asked directly if he believes he can win, Paul answered without hesitation.
“Without a shadow of a doubt,” Paul said. “One hundred percent. Self belief is the most powerful thing in the world and it’s been there since my first fight, my second fight. Wasn’t supposed to beat Nate Robinson, Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley, the UFC champion with hammers in his fists. Not supposed to beat Anderson Silva, Mike Perry ‘The King of Violence,’ all easy work. I know this is much more challenging, but I know what I’m capable of in the gym and I know that my team knows what I’m capable of and I’m trusting in that.”
Paul then raised the intensity to a level rarely heard in modern boxing.
“This is going to be fun. I want him to cut me up. I want him to break my face. But guess what? He’s going to have to kill me to stop me and I’m ready to die. Seriously, ready to die in the ring to win this fight. We’re all born to die.”
Jake Paul says he’s “ready to die” against Anthony Joshua when they step in the ring in Miami:
“He’s going to have to kill me to stop me. … We’re all born to die, baby.” pic.twitter.com/QinP768O9B
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) November 21, 2025
Joshua Sees Only One Acceptable Result
Anthony Joshua has responded calmly but firmly as the date approaches. The British star made it clear that only a knockout satisfies him. With his track record, the expectation is understandable.
Twelve months ago Paul surprised many when he survived and outpointed Mike Tyson, who was fifty nine at the time but still carried enormous cultural weight and danger. Joshua is not the same type of opponent. He is younger, powerful, technical and still a top contender.
Paul admitted that beating Joshua would be a historic upset.
“For sure, neck and neck with Tyson and Buster Douglas,” Paul said. “Right up there. Biggest stage. This will probably be the second most viewed fight in the history of boxing behind me and Tyson and I’m going to go in there and win and shock the world.”
Throughout their press interactions, both men have shown mutual respect. Joshua thanked Paul’s camp for assembling the event quickly, while Paul praised Joshua’s long record of achievements. However, he insists he is not interested in moral victories or handshakes.
He is after the moment that changes how the world labels him.
Paul Breaks Down Why He Believes He Can Outsmart Joshua
Paul offered a detailed explanation of why he feels his style causes problems for Joshua. He believes that heavyweights sometimes struggle with smaller opponents who move constantly.
“He’s one of the best heavyweights ever, but I believe that fighting a smaller man is oftentimes harder as a heavyweight because of the speed difference and because of the foot speed, because of the angles, because of the head being off of the center,” Paul said. “So all of that power is great and he’s knocked people out, I just have to avoid that one shot for eight rounds and I believe that I can do that. So, when I’m bouncing around the ring, jabbing, weaving, and doing all of these things, I know I can pick him apart and score points and make this a very, very big contest.”
He finished the event with a final message.
“People say, ‘I respect Jake Paul for getting in there.’ No. Respect me because I’m about to win.”
Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua face off for the first time 😳
CRAZY size difference 👀
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 21, 2025
