With Logan Paul and Anthony Joshua gearing up for their much-anticipated boxing showdown on Friday night, tempers were already flaring during the face-off at Thursday’s weigh-in.
Before a professional boxing match, fighters are required to weigh in to ensure they can safely compete within the same weight class. While this serves a practical purpose, it often doubles as a final opportunity to intimidate their opponent.
This seemed to be the case at Thursday’s weigh-in, with Joshua and Paul squaring up and exchanging tense remarks ahead of their eagerly awaited fight, which will be streamed on Netflix.
As the two stood face to face, a brief scuffle appeared to occur, followed by Joshua making a ‘kill’ gesture by drawing a finger across his throat.
During the weigh-in, the fighters exchanged words that were not picked up by the microphone, but post-weigh-in interviews revealed it was far from friendly banter.
Anthony Joshua was asked about the exchange and insisted that nothing inappropriate was said.
He explained: “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.”
Regarding what he specifically said, Joshua stated: “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*****d up.”
While the interview continued, Paul approached Joshua to voice his own perspective, starting with a jab at his opponent’s ‘chicken legs.’
“Look at them chicken legs,” Paul joked in front of the cheering 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.”
After Paul left to resume his pre-fight regimen, Joshua seized the mic once more to issue a bold challenge, even invoking the support of the man who kickstarted Paul’s boxing career.
Calling forward Eddie Hearn, Joshua declared: “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.”
The outcome of this clash remains uncertain, but fans don’t have long to wait as the fight will be live-streamed on Netflix this Friday at 5pm PT and 8pm ET.