As Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua prepare for their highly anticipated boxing match on Friday night, tensions were already flaring as the duo faced off at Thursday evening’s weigh-in.
Prior to any professional boxing match, opponents are asked to weigh in to make sure they can safely compete in the same weight category, but while there is a practical reason for the weigh-in, it often also serves as a final opportunity to psych out their opponent.
This appeared to be the case during Thursday's (December 18) weigh-in, with both Joshua and Paul squaring off against each other and exchanging tense words ahead of their highly anticipated fight, which is due to stream on Netflix.
As the pair stood toe to toe, a small amount of jostling appeared to take place, before Joshua drew a finger along his throat in a ‘kill’ gesture.
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During the weigh-in itself, both fighters could be seen speaking to each other, however, the microphone failed to identify precisely what was said, but as the post-weigh-in interviews revealed, it was far from sunshine and roses.
Anthony Joshua was the first to be quizzed over the words and he claimed nothing untoward had been shared.
He said: “There’s a mutual respect there, we’re just two fighters getting in the ring, but ultimately I have to be victorious. That’s all I’m focused on. The games are done. It’s time to lock in.”
When asked directly about what he had said, Joshua said: “Nothing. Don’t touch me. Nothing else. Nothing crazy. You know my character. I’m not going to give you any antics here. You know in the ring, you know what I’ve come to do.
“I outclass this kid. I’m a serious fighter. That’s the difference. You’re going to get f**ked up”
As the interview was still in progress, Paul then made his way over to Joshua and decided it was time to share his own thoughts on the matter, as he first took a jab at his rival over what he called his ‘chicken legs.’
“Look at them chicken legs,” laughed Paul in front of a roaring crowd.
“I said I smell fear. I see something in his eyes I truly do. The pressure’s on him. I’m fighting free. I’ve already won and this is a lose-lose situation for him.”
As Paul then departed to head back to his pre-fight preparations, Joshua once again took the mic to make a bold threat to his rival, including with the backing of the very man who had launched Paul’s boxing career to begin with.
Ushering forward Eddie Hearn, Joshua said: “This man right here, is who started Jake’s pro career. He helped Jake have his pro debut.
"And he’s brought me in to end Jake Paul’s boxing career."
Who will emerge victorious remains to be seen, but fans won’t have long to wait as the fight is due to stream live on Netflix this Friday at 5pm PT and 8pm ET
Topics: Anthony Joshua, Boxing, Netflix, Sport, Jake Paul
Phoebe Tonks