Anthony Joshua Hopes to 'Destroy' Jake Paul in Boxing Fight, 'That's My Intention'

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.