Former British heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has fired a warning to Jake Paul ahead of their upcoming bout.

AJ is set to face the YouTuber-turned-boxer in a controversial heavyweight showdown in Miami on Friday, December 19.

It will be the first time the two-time heavyweight champion steps into the ring since his disappointing defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium last year.

The fight against Jake Paul will also serve as a curtain-raiser for Joshua’s much-anticipated potential bout against Tyson Fury in September next year.

Speaking with TMZ, Joshua stated that he cannot afford to go several rounds with the social media star.

“I heard he fought Mike Tyson in 14oz gloves and that he was going to fight Gervonta in 12oz gloves and then he chose to fight me in 10oz gloves, so… he wants to hurt me, I think he wants to take me out.

“I understand people’s concerns but they have to start believing in Jake. They don’t believe because they can’t get their head around how he beat those guys.

“How did he beat Anderson Silva, how did he beat Nate Diaz, how did he beat Mike Tyson? I’m telling you there is no stipulation in the contract where I have to take it easy.”

WDN