Two-time world champion Anthony Joshua has vowed to “break” Jake Paul’s face and body when they meet in their highly anticipated heavyweight bout on December 19 in Miami, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The former unified champion, who has not fought since his devastating knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September last year, issued a fierce warning to the YouTuber-turned-boxer at their first face-off in Miami.

“It’s massive. It’s colossal. It’s making big news. We’re bringing marketability together with ability,” Joshua said. “If I’m going to be honest, I’m going to break his face, I’m going to break his body up, I’m going to stomp all over him.”

The eight-round heavyweight bout, which will be streamed live on Netflix at the Kaseya Centre, has generated significant attention due to the size and experience gap between the fighters.

At the face-off, the 6-foot-6 Joshua towered over the 6-foot-1 Paul, but the smaller man remained defiant.

“I just have to avoid that one shot for eight rounds, and I believe that I can do that,” Paul said. “I want him to cut me up. I want him to break my face, but guess what? He’s going to have to kill me to stop me, and I’m ready to die. Seriously. Ready to die in the ring to win this fight.”

Paul (12-1, 7 KOs), who is leaning on belief and a game plan built on speed, angles and discipline, called Joshua one of the best heavyweights ever.

“I like to challenge myself. I like to take on the biggest, the best. I said anyone, anytime, any place,” Paul said. “No one ever thought that this would be possible, that we would be here when I first started boxing, and no one thinks I’m going to win.”

The rules add a wrinkle. Joshua must weigh no more than 245 pounds at the official weigh-in, with no rehydration clause in force. He’s hovered at 250 pounds or more in recent outings. Paul expects to come in between 215 and 225 pounds.

Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) has linked up with the team behind reigning world champion Oleksandr Usyk to prepare for the contest, revealing the split from his regular trainer Ben Davison.

“I was invited to train with Team Usyk,” Joshua said.

“He’s one of the best in the world, and it’s not all down to him. It’s also down to the team that’s around him, so I’ve linked up with them and got a great insight into someone who has achieved so much.”

Paul, meanwhile, has set his sights beyond Joshua, vowing to knock out the Briton before challenging former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

“It’s a massive mistake to look past me,” Paul added.

“I’m putting a stop to all those plans; don’t book flights or hotels. I’m knocking this guy out, becoming the CEO of Matchroom Boxing, changing the plans, and it’s going to be me against Tyson Fury next year.”

Despite criticism that the bout is a mismatch, Hearn insists his fighter remains focused on long-term plans and is set for a career-high payday.

“This isn’t ‘we’re fighting Jake Paul and retiring’. We’ve got massive plans for 2026,” he said. “We’re going to have a run-out here, nick a career-high payday, and then go back into camp for serious stuff next year.”