Jake Paul is adamant that he will tire Anthony Joshua before going in for the kill in their blockbuster heavyweight showdown.

The YouTuber-turned-boxer returns for the first time since June next week, but arguably faces his toughest test yet in the form of the ex-two-time heavyweight world champion. Paul - a natural cruiserweight - will make up to boxing's heaviest weight class for a second time in his career.

Paul emerged victorious in his sole appearance at heavyweight thus far - a decision win over Mike Tyson in November 2024. However, his clash with 'AJ' is a whole different ball game. Many within the boxing fraternity have expressed their concerns for the clash and believe the 'Problem Child' could sustain some serious damage.

Since making his professional debut back in 2020, the American has always believed in his skill set and has always been eager to prove his critics wrong. As he prepares to take on the heavyweight behemoth, the 'Problem Child' did not mince his words when asked for his official prediction. The 28-year-old is confident he will stop the Brit and pick up the biggest upset in the history of the sport.

"I don't think he can knock me out because he won't be able to line up his shots properly to land the hard punch," Paul told The Pat McAfee Show. "I think it is going to be a very tough fight for multiple rounds.

"But then, when I figure out his pacing, his style, his speed, his footwork, he is going to get tired trying to chase me around, and then I am going to set up the shot. I'm not going to say exactly what [the shot is]. But I see it, and I think it will end in the fifth or sixth round."

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The social media sensation has long called for a showdown with Joshua, and after watching the Brit over the last few years, Paul certainly sees weaknesses in his foes game. "His footwork. His rhythm. His speed and crossing his feet. All of these things are going to have a big play on Friday, December 19," he said last month. Having watched the former two-time heavyweight champion against the likes of Oleksandr Usyk and Andy Ruiz Jr, Paul believes that being the smaller fighter on the night may actually give him the edge.

"I think it's watching his Daniel Dubois fight. Watching the Andy Ruiz Jr fight and even watching the Oleksandr Usyk fight. And when you look at it, he has lost to guys who are smaller than him. I think it's his weakness. It's his kryptonite. It's the faster guys who do not get hit by his big punches," he continued.

"He is an amazing fighter and one of the best heavyweights ever. I just think with speed and footwork and being in a rhythm, I do not think he can handle that and he does not like that because he is a little bit stiff. He does rely on his power. Obviously, you get hit by one of his shots, you're cooked, but I believe I will be able to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee."

Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul will clash in Miami on December 19, just six days before Christmas. The pair will likely walk to the ring at around 11pm local time which would be 4am in the UK. Fight times are usually set to benefit the American audience and are subject to change depending on how long the undercard takes to complete. The event is set to be shown live on Netflix.