Anthony Joshua is looking forward to potentially knocking out Jake Paul in their upcoming heavyweight bout.
“I know the expectations and demands these fans have,” Joshua told TMZ Sports. “And I respect it. If I didn’t respect it, I’d be honest with you and say, ‘No they’re talking rubbish,’ but I do. I do get it because I hold myself in that same regard, so I need to [KO Jake] and that’s my intention, to seek and destroy!”
While the former two-time unified heavyweight champion agreed to weigh no more than 245 pounds at the weigh-in on Dec. 18, there’s no restriction on how much weight he can add on following the weigh-in.
“On fight night, I may come in a couple of pounds heavier, but if I’m honest with you, I really do like this weight,” Joshua told TMZ Sports. “It’s actually been a blessing in disguise that this task was put upon me because I feel good.”
The 36-year-old has put together a stellar career with a 28-4 record highlighted by 25 knockouts, but hasn’t fought since he lost to Daniel Dubois in Sept. 2024.
As for Paul, he owns a 12-1 record and most recently defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on June 28.
Their eight-round bout will be available to stream on Netflix on Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. ET.