Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua almost come to blows after gesture at final face off

Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua almost came to blows during their final face off after the YouTuber made a brave gesture to the former World Champion.

The controversial heavyweight fight is nearly upon us as the British boxer, 36, came out two stone heavier than the influencer, 28, during Thursday's (18 December) weigh-in in Miami.

"I'll just outclass this kid. I'm a serious fighter. That's the difference. I'm a serious, serious fighter," Joshua - who came in at 17st 3lb - said.

"You’re going to get f**ked up. It is what it is. We can do another face off but I just believe I’m going to smash him. I’m gonna smoke your boy."

When the duo came face-to-face, Joshua seemingly got a little rattled when his opponent got a bit too close for his liking.

"Don't touch me," he said as he pushed Paul's fist away from his face.

"The pressure’s on him. I’m fighting free," Paul - who weighed 15st 4lb - responded. "I’ve already won, this is a lose-lose situation for him. I’ve got him in the corner right where I want him.

"I’m here to show the world what’s possible, to show kids what’s possible with self belief. This is what this fight’s about."

It comes after Joshua said he will 'kill' Paul in the ring because it's 'his job'.

"It's my job, we fight. We have a licence to kill," he admitted.

"I'm sure many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do.

"Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's important, respectfully."

AJ added: "That's just what the mentality we have to have as fighters. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Maybe they're a bit more tame.

"The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a dangerous thing. Anything can happen.

"You hope your opponent leaves the ring safely, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It wasn't personal."

Paul insisted that he was 'ready', saying: "This is a modern day gladiator sport. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other."

The fight will take place in the morning of Saturday, 20 December 2025, live on Netflix, while the pair are expected to make their ring walk at around 3:30am UK time.