Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua press conference highlights: Paul guarantees 'biggest upset in sports history' as heavyweight fight looms

Jake Mozarsky

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Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua press conference highlights: Paul guarantees 'biggest upset in sports history' as heavyweight fight looms image

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On Friday night at the Kaseya Center in Miami, the boxing world will pause to watch an unprecedented spectacle as internet sensation Jake Paul makes his ring walk to face two-time former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

It is no secret that Paul is facing the most formidable opponent of his career, yet he wasted no time setting a historic expectation at the final press conference. When asked for his prediction, Paul kept it bold and simple: "It’s going to be the biggest upset in sports history."

Paul doubled down on his prediction, comparing his impending victory to the monumental Giants-Patriots Super Bowl upset of 2007 and dramatically calling the event "the Boston Tea Party 2.0." As always, he was not afraid to say what was on his mind, providing some soundbite-worthy moments throughout the night.

Meanwhile, the veteran Joshua— stepping back into the ring after a September 2024 loss to Daniel Dubois— remained composed, focusing on his professional approach.The tension was palpable when Joshua's viral quote, "If I can kill him, I’ll kill him," was brought up; he had an icy calm response, stating simply, "It’s my job."

Finally, as the two faced off, it was exactly what fans came to expect: a smaller, confident Paul against a silent former heavyweight champion of the world. Soon enough, the two will decide it in the ring.

AllSportsPeople followed all the action from Wednesday night’s press conference. Check out the key quotes and action below.

LIVE: Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua weigh-in results

Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua press conference live updates

7:25 p.m.:  Paul and Joshua are officially face-to-face.

The 6' 1" Paul stares up at his opponent, who is much taller and weighs much more. "The Problem Child" speaks, while Joshua is cool and composed.

It's very real, and we're now 48 hours away.

7:17 p.m.:  The press conference is over, with the fighters set to face off.

7:15 p.m.:  Helwani went around and asked the fighters who will win Paul-Joshua. 

It didn't really go well, with many abstaining from the vote. But, out of the fighters that voted, it was Paul, 7-4.

7:10 p.m.:  Paul, after saying that the Joshua-Tyson Fury fight will go up in smoke, said he wants Terrance Crawford, Canelo and other great fighters.

7:09 p.m.:  When asked about his fearlessness, Paul said "I think I just don't give a f***."

Joshua said that Paul presents a challenge for him.

7:03 p.m.:  Paul compared this fight to the Giants vs. The Patriots in 2007, saying there's no sporting teams in history that go against the talent deficit and everything that Paul is up against.

He said it's going to be the biggest upset in sports history.

7:01 p.m.:  When asked about what a loss would do for Joshua, and Paul interjected, singing "London Bridge is Falling Down."

He then said this will be the "Boston Tea Party 2.0."

6:59 p.m.:  Joshua was asked about his last fight in the United States, when he was defeated by Andy Ruiz. 

He said that he isn't carrying that energy into this fight, but "the goal is to bounce back."

"Through tragedy, there can always be a great story," Joshua said.

6:51 p.m.:  When asked how Friday night will go, Joshua said he's looking forward to everything.

He said he watched "The Last Dance" and now the fight is "Jordan vs. Iverson in boxing."

6:48 p.m.:  Two of Paul's opponents, Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva, are also fighting on Friday night.

When asked about whether Paul can beat Joshua, Woodley said it's a good fight. He also took a moment to say fighting Silva is a step up for him.

6:46 p.m.:  Paul confirms that the fight will be in a 22-by-22 foot ring and he feels great about it. Joshua had no issues with the dimensions at all.

6:41 p.m.:  Joshua said that one of the reasons he wanted to take the fight was to be on Netflix and "showcase my skills to the world."

He gave his respect to everyone on the call, saying it's an amazing chance for all fighters to showcase their skills.

6:40 p.m.: "I still want to become world champion at the end of the day," Paul says. "Most likely cruiserweight, but you never know. I couldn't imagine myself five years ago sitting here today."

6:37 p.m.:  Paul says "if people really cared about boxing, they'd want me to win." He went on to say he's more important to the sport.

He said he understands why people would root for Joshua, as the traditionalist.

6:31 p.m.:  When asked to clarify his "if I can kill him, I will kill him" comments from yesterday, Joshua said that "it's his job."

Paul responds with "Let's f***ing go... Let's f***ing kill each other."

6:30 p.m.:  In Joshua's opening statement, he says that he is in a good place returning to the ring. 

Paul said that the fight "will be the biggest loss of his career," saying he knows Joshua's nerves will kick in when he sees what Paul can do.

6:28 p.m.:  Here comes Jake Paul.

Friday will be the fighter's biggest test of his career, coming against a former heavyweight champion that is much taller and weighs much more.

For the doubters, as Paul said, "just watch."

6:26 p.m.:  Anthony Joshua has arrived.

The Olympic gold-medalist and former two-time heavyweight champion comes to Miami for his first fight since September 2024.

He is seated right next to Helwani.

6:15 p.m.:  With Ariel Helwani on the podium, fighters are starting to make their entrances.

6:10 p.m.:  The press conference has officially gotten underway on YouTube. The fighters will make their entrances soon.

How to watch Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua press conference

Wednesday night's presser can be live streamed on YouTube, both on Netflix's sports channel and Most Valuable Promotions, the main promoter of the fight card.

The press conference is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET from Miami, Florida.

When is the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua fight?

  • Date: Friday, December 19, 2025
  • Main card start time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
  • Main event (Paul vs. Joshua): Approx. 11 p.m. ET | 8 p.m. PT

The Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua fight is scheduled for Friday, December 19 from the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.

The main card is scheduled start at 8 p.m. ET, with the main event ring walks for Paul and Joshua expected around 11 p.m. ET. That time is estimated, though, depending on the preceding fights.

MORE: Ranking the best boxing prospects and champions in 2025

Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua fight card

MatchupWeight Class/Title
Anthony Joshua vs. Jake PaulHeavyweight
Alycia Baumgardner (c) vs. Leila BeaudoinIBF, WBO, and WBA Super Featherweight Titles
Anderson Silva vs. Tyron WoodleyCruiserweight (195 lbs. Catchweight)
Cherneka Johnson (c) vs. Amanda GalleUndisputed Bantamweight Championship
Yokasta Valle (c) vs. Yadira BustillosWBC Minimumweight World Title
Avious Griffin vs. Justin CardonaWelterweight
Keno Marley vs. Diarra Davis Jr.Cruiserweight
Jahmal Harvey vs. Kevin CervantesFeatherweight

Contributing Writer