The boxing world descended on Miami for a night many thought would never happen, but as the dust settles on Anthony Joshua’s dominant stoppage of Jake Paul, the conversation has shifted from “if” to “what’s next.” In an emotional and deeply reflective post-fight press conference, Anthony Joshua (AJ) opened up about the mental and physical toll of returning to the ring, his surprising respect for his opponent’s durability, and the clear path toward a historic showdown with Tyson Fury in 2026.
Walking into the press conference following his victory, Joshua appeared more focused than celebratory. While the referee waved off the contest after a clinical right hand found its home, AJ was quick to note that his performance, while successful, was not perfect. “It’s a win, but it’s not a success,” Joshua told reporters, explaining that he and his new coaching team—which includes members of Oleksandr Usyk’s camp—expect a higher level of execution. Despite the one-sided nature of the fight, Joshua credited Jake Paul for having the “spirit” and “heart” to continue after being knocked down, noting that many professional fighters have avoided stepping into the ring with him altogether.
The “psychological warfare” Joshua alluded to during the lead-up was on full display. He described the moment of the knockout as a realization of his promise to “take Jake’s soul.” “You’re either going to give up or you’re going to get knocked out,” Joshua said, emphasizing that elite boxing requires a killer instinct that cannot be taught. While Jake Paul moved at “100 mph” early in the fight to survive, the systematic breakdown by the former champion eventually proved too much.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s long-time promoter, addressed the severity of the punishment Jake Paul absorbed, revealing concerns about a potential broken jaw. Despite the injury, Hearn offered rare praise for the YouTuber-turned-boxer. “You can’t give him anything but credit and respect,” Hearn stated, acknowledging Paul’s dedication to the sport while also noting that “Jake will struggle at the top level” of the heavyweight division. The question now remains whether Paul can physically or mentally recover from a defeat of this magnitude.
Perhaps the most significant revelation from the night was the status of the “Battle of Britain.” Joshua, who took a year off from the sport to “fall back in love” with boxing and eliminate distractions, confirmed that he is ready for Tyson Fury. When asked if he would take another interim fight before facing the “Gypsy King,” Joshua was emphatic: “We can do that… straight away.” Eddie Hearn echoed this sentiment, suggesting that if both fighters are ready, the world could see the clash in early 2026, potentially in a massive U.S. stadium or as part of Riyadh Season.
Joshua’s transformation over the last year appears to be more than just physical. He described himself as having “no interest in being a businessman” anymore, choosing instead to focus solely on being an “athlete.” This shift, spurred by his training with Usyk’s team, has reignited his hunger for the heavyweight titles. “Hard work doesn’t lie,” Joshua reflected, admitting that if he had known the level of dedication required earlier in his career, he might have already been undisputed.
As the festive period approaches, Anthony Joshua leaves Miami not just as a winner, but as a fighter who has answered his own internal questions. He came to find out if he still wanted to fight, and the answer was a resounding yes. With the “Problem Child” chapter closed and the “Gypsy King” in his sights, the heavyweight landscape has been fundamentally reshaped. For Joshua, the goal is simple: reign again. And after tonight, few would bet against him.
