There are probably more people who believe in Santa Claus than those believing that Jake Paul has anything more than a snowball's chance in hell to beat Anthony Joshua on Friday.

Joshua sounds jolly for the prolifically-paid Christmas break assignment, and although everyone is expecting Paul to get roasted like a chestnut on an open fire, the former two-time heavyweight champion is singing an entirely different tune.

"I don't think Jake is crazy. He's a realist, a logical man and he wants to fight a good fight," Joshua said on MVP Uncut.

"I looked at it as a great opportunity to showcase myself to the whole world. I think Jake is a smart operator, he's managed to put a good team around him to help him achieve his wildest dreams. I think he's a smart young man.

"You can never underestimate anyone because there's new talent coming out of nowhere, from all places. He's a new emerging talent, and I got to take him very seriously … I always knew there could be the most talented fighter out there, especially in our industry. If they can't sell tickets, can't put bums in seats, they will never showcase their skills to the world, no matter how good they are.

"And that's why I say you have to have marketability, and have ability. When you bring those two worlds together, it's a recipe for success."

The polarizing Paul has parlayed his fervent following with fighting over the last five years to become one of the faces of boxing, all while piling prolific paychecks and wins against carefully curated opponents.

Paul has beaten a 58-year-old Mike Tyson, well past their prime former MMA champions, as well as no-hoper pros and celebrities. The only loss of Paul’s career came against an equal novice Tommy Fury, when Paul dropped Fury but also an eight-round split decision.

For Friday’s Netflix-streamed showdown from South Beach, Florida, Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) went from preparing to face undersized lightweight Gervonta Davis to giving the gargantuan Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) a gander.

Joshua is on yet another comeback campaign and is looking to get back into the win column following a devastating knockout loss against Daniel Dubois in September 2024. If Joshua gets past Paul, as expected, a mega fight against Tyson Fury awaits next fall.

"I'm passionate. I'm hungry. I'm still here, ready to fight my heart out," Joshua said. "God willing my prayers are answered, I get the job done and hurt Jake in spectacular fashion to get a victory."