Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua had their first face-to-face meeting in Miami, and the physical difference between them was immediately striking. Standing at 6'6", Joshua visually dominated Paul, who is 6'1", during a press conference held at the Kaseya Center, the venue for their eight-round bout scheduled for December 19. Although many see a clear disadvantage for Paul, the American made it clear that he is motivated by what he describes as a key mental boost in his career. "Everything I've achieved today is due to delusional optimism," he stated. "It's delusional... until it isn't, because look where we're sitting. Nobody thought this would be possible when I started boxing, and nobody believes I'm going to win. So join the list and prepare to be surprised." Joshua respects Paul, but warns that he will go all out. The Briton, with a record of 28-4 and 25 knockouts, acknowledged Paul's progress (12-1, 7 KOs). However, he made no secret of his intention to impose his power from the start. “If I’m going to be honest, I’m going to break his face, I’m going to destroy his body, and I’m going to run him over,” he asserted. Paul responded defiantly: “I want him to cut me, I want him to break my face, but he’ll have to kill me to stop me. I’m ready to die in the ring to win.” The fight will be streamed globally on Netflix and, according to MVP (Most Valuable Promotions), represents the biggest challenge of the American’s career. Paul had already mentioned Joshua’s name months earlier, during an interview prior to a canceled fight against Gervonta Davis. “Anthony Joshua. One hundred percent. I want a challenge. I always want challenges,” he said at the time. Silva vs. Woodley joins the card. The event will also feature the return to boxing of Anderson Silva, who will face Tyron Woodley in a six-round cruiserweight bout. Woodley replaces Chris Weidman, who is out with an injury. Both are historic figures in MMA, which adds to the appeal of the event. “I believe change always happens for a reason,” Silva commented. “I’m focused on doing a good job,respecting my opponent and the world of boxing.”

Woodley, for his part, assured that it is an opportunity he intends to seize: “Moments like this are where legends are born.”

Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of MVP, described this duel as an essential part of a night that promises to be “one of the most exciting combat sports events of the decade.”