Anthony Joshua Unapologetic Over Jake Paul Fight As He Targets Third World Title

Former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua says he has no regrets about the damage he inflicted on Jake Paul during their heavyweight clash in December 2025, insisting he simply carried out the task placed before him.

Joshua was asked about the possibility of Paul retiring from boxing after the American spent months on the sidelines recovering from injuries sustained in their bout in Miami. The British-Nigerian responded without hesitation.

“I think that’s what was asked of me, and I think I delivered,” he said on the Mr Verzace Podcast.

Joshua broke Paul’s jaw in two places during the sixth round, forcing the YouTuber-turned-boxer to undergo surgery and have two titanium plates fitted. The defeat left Paul with a professional record of 12-2 and sparked fresh doubts about his future in the sport.

Speaking ahead of his return against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on July 25, Joshua revealed he had entered the fight with a clear objective.

“There was a strict message that was given, and a task that was laid upon me, and that was to get rid of Jake Paul and remove him from our beloved sport,” he said.

“Whether that took me one round or six rounds, I believe the job was well and truly done.”

Joshua said the victory marked a turning point in his own career after more than a year out of the ring following his knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.

“I come back to Miami on the biggest stage, and people see that light, that vibrant energy. A lot of people said, ‘That’s the guy we knew,’ and it felt good to be back.”

The former world champion later endured personal tragedy when he was involved in a fatal car crash in Nigeria shortly after the Paul fight. Joshua was a passenger in the vehicle when two close friends and members of his team, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, lost their lives.

Months after the incident, Joshua is preparing for his showdown with Prenga before an expected blockbuster all-British bout against Tyson Fury later this year.

Fury returned to action in April after a 16-month absence, defeating Arslanbek Makhmudov on points, while promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn have confirmed a deal for a long-awaited Fury-Joshua fight, with November widely expected as the target date.

Despite the magnitude of that game, Joshua says his ultimate ambition extends beyond a domestic rivalry. The 36-year-old remains determined to reclaim a world heavyweight title for a third time.

“I need another title,” he stated.

“I made a decision for myself. This is my purpose. I’m talented, I’m quite smart, I can do a lot of things, but I want to use all my energy and align my focus and just be a champion again.”