Jake Paul claims Anthony Joshua will crumble, and reveals why

Jake Paul came face to face with Anthony Joshua for the first time on Friday ahead of their megafight in Miami next month.

The pair took the stage at the Kaseya Center, which will play host to their heavyweight showdown on December 19, to be streamed live globally by Netflix.

‘The Problem Child’ is a Youtuber turned boxer with a 12-1 record made up of celebrities, former MMA stars and washed up boxers. His most high-profile win was a decision over a 58-year-old Mike Tyson in Texas last November.

READ MORE: Anthony Joshua confirms trainer change for Jake Paul fight

Now the 28-year-old from Ohio takes on a two-time world heavyweight champion in British superstar Joshua (28-4), this is several leagues up from the levels he has been competing at so far. Remember he lost to Tommy Fury of Love Island fame.

But Paul is nothing if not confident, and he was not at all concerned by the size of the task facing him when he engaged in the first face-off of the pre-fight build-up.

The size differential was there for all to see – Joshua is fully blown heavyweight while Jake is a blown up cruiserweight. Without the skills of Oleksandr Usyk.

Despite all of this, Paul still believes he will upset the oddsmakers on December 19 (he is a 7/1 underdog), and he explained why.

Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua Face Off Press Conference Miami
Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua face off at the press conference to announce their December 19 superfight on Netflix (Photo – Esther Lin, Most Valuable Promotions).

(Lack of) size does matter

“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 centre,” explained Paul.

“And 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. People say, “Oh, I respect Jake Paul for getting in there.” No, respect me because I’m about to win.”

AJ ‘will crumble’ says Jake

There is little pressure on Paul here, apart from the pressure he places on himself – it appears he genuinely believes he will win this fight. He does though believe all of the pressure is on his opponent. A man who has twice ruled the heavyweight kingdom.

“Anthony. Yeah, 1000%. This is something that’s going to weigh on him, right? Because of what you said. I’m going in there, I can fight free. If he starts getting touched up and losing rounds, I think the cookie will crumble.”

It is astonishing for somebody in only their 14th pro fight to be taking on somebody like Joshua – especially considering the level of Paul’s previous opposition. Some experts consider it downright dangerous. But not Jake.

We’ve been pushing boundaries, and that’s what I’m really here is to be a beacon for kids out there to take inspiration from. That’s one of the biggest things and goals I have in my life, is to show people what the power of self-belief, manifestation, hard work, discipline, and where it can take you, and to take risks…..I’m here to inspire kids and do things differently, and be a disruptor.”

Jake Paul Press Conference vs Anthony Joshua Netflix
Jake Paul at the press conference to announce his December 19 fight vs Anthony Joshua in Miami (Photo – Esther Lin, Most Valuable Promotions).