Anthony Joshua has set high expectations for his upcoming fight in the ring with Jake Paul this Friday. Just defeating Paul, labeled as the underdog, won’t suffice; Joshua feels any result other than a dominant performance would tarnish his reputation.

Analysts speculate about what a successful outcome entails for Paul, with most believing he lacks the ability to best the two-time unified heavyweight champion. For some, merely lasting through the fight or surviving a round would be considered a victory for Paul. However, Joshua asserts the opposite holds true for him: anything less than quick annihilation would count as a failure.

“Let's parse out what failure is. The primary form of failure is a loss. Nothing can reverse that outcome; it would be the absolute worst. The next significant failure would be a competitive eight-round fight that reflects poorly on my part. There are numerous levels of failure to consider. It’s a critical time for me with a lot at stake, and I aim to maintain my focus.” - Anthony Joshua

Many would understand if Joshua appeared to coast during training, given his extensive experience fighting superior opponents and possessing essential physical advantages over Paul. Yet, Joshua insists he is taking Paul seriously. His previous fight against Francis Ngannou proved he won’t enter the ring underprepared.

Joshua emphasizes:

“I undertake this training not merely for Jake, but due to my commitment to my own standards. When people say, ‘If it surpasses one round, it’s a failure for Joshua,’ those expectations resonate with me. I appreciate the concern.”

“I’m not saying, ‘It’s just a fight; anything can happen!’ Trust me, I hear and understand your concerns because I share the same expectations of myself.”