Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua met face to face for the first time Friday for a press conference in Miami to begin building up their December 19 bout on Netflix.

Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) has asked for what seems like an impossible assignment against the former two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) once his matchup against Gervonta Davis was canceled earlier this month.

Paul will now go from preparing for an exhibition against a lightweight and cutting down to 195 pounds to training for one of the top heavyweights of the era.

“I like to challenge myself. I like to take on the biggest and the best. I said anyone, anytime, anyplace, and I truly mean that,” said Paul.

“I'm going to shock the world. I know what I am capable of. I see him and what he is capable of. We're going to go to war. The best man will win. People are saying I am out of my mind. I've gotten to where I am today because of delusional optimism. It's a delusion – until it's not.

"Look at where we are sitting today. No one ever thought that this would be possible, and we would be here when I first started boxing. No one thinks I am going to win. Join the list, and be ready to be shocked.”

Paul said Joshua was always in the plans after facing Davis, but he’ll now get to fight him much sooner than expected. Paul said he plans to employ world-class heavyweights as sparring partners, but didn’t reveal exactly who. He did say, however, that he anticipates weighing between 215 to 225 pounds for the eight-round fight. Contractually, Joshua can’t weigh more than 245 pounds.

“I was cutting down for Gervonta, so it's been a little tough getting back up in some strength for this,” said Paul. “I've already won at every single thing in life. I am playing on house money. I've accomplished all of my dreams. This is a win-win and another challenge for myself. I know it's dangerous. He has to deal with me as well. This is not a one-sided fight as people think. I have power and the ability to put people to sleep. That's why I took this challenge.”

Joshua was supposed to face Cassius Chaney in a surprise fight on Saturday as part of “The Ring IV: Night of the Champions” in Saudi Arabia. He also had plans in place for another fight in February in Riyadh, followed by a potential fall showdown against Tyson Fury.

Paul proclaimed that all of those plans will go up in flames and that he’ll be the one seizing the opportunities eyed for Joshua once he stops him in Round 4 or 5.

“I'm putting a stint in all of those plans,” said Paul. “I'm knocking this guy out, becoming the CEO of Matchroom Boxing, and changing the plans. It's going to be me versus Tyson Fury next year.

“I want the best version of Anthony Joshua on December 19. It's going to be the best version of Jake Paul you've ever seen. We'll see who's better.

“I have the power and the timing. It's the shots that you don't see that knock people out. I am a tricky knockout artist that people don't give enough credit to. He has to be careful. I have the tricks up my sleeve to hit this guy with a shot he doesn't see coming that can put him to sleep – a thousand percent.

“Self belief is the most powerful thing in the world.”