Joshua Will Hunt the Knockout Because His Goal Against Jake Is the Audience

Former unified Heavyweight world champion Briton Anthony Joshua explained why he has no intention of taking it easy on American Jake Paul in their upcoming fight — and why he needs a knockout.

“In boxing, there’s the ability factor and there’s the commercial appeal factor. Unfortunately, the situation now is that even the two best boxers with the best skills might not have commercial appeal. So they won’t be able to show their talent to the world, because broadcasters and fans aren’t interested. You need to combine commercial appeal with talent. That’s exactly why I’ve always tried to bring attention to this sport.

I always tell young boxers: ‘Don’t wait until you become champions to tell the world who you are.’ By then it’s too late. You need people to be following you in advance, so that by the time you become champions, everyone’s ready to buy a ticket. That’s why we need to add the commercial appeal aspect.

I looked at this fight and said, ‘Wow. This is a great opportunity to show myself to the whole world.’ God willing, I’ll do my job and beat Jake in spectacular fashion. Then this whole market will come to me, and I can focus on other boxers who have pure skills and need that kind of publicity,” said Joshua.

Joshua (28-4, 25 KO) vs Paul (12-1, 7 KO) will take place on December 19 in Miami. It will be a fully official bout, not an exhibition.