Jake Paul has hit back at fans who claimed he was going to pull out of his fight with Anthony Joshua.

Paul will take on Joshua next Friday in a 10-round sanctioned heavyweight contest in Miami but the YouTuber sparked fears he was going to pull out when he teased a major announcement. But ultimately Paul announced the signing of world champion Caroline Dubois who will defend her lightweight title on the undercard.

And in a message to his detractors, Paul said: "You dummies thought I was going to pull out of the fight? Ridiculous. I’m just building. Five years in. Creating a roster of the best." Dubois will defend her title against Camilla Panatta next Friday in what will be her first fight in nine months.

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Paul said of the signing: "Caroline Dubois has been the most coveted free agent in women’s boxing and we are thrilled to have her join MVP. She’s a champion, an Olympian and a rising star in the UK and beyond, and she makes her MVP debut Friday, December 19, as she joins the stacked Jake vs. Joshua card in her third world title defence.

"While existing and new boxing promoters battle about belts, MVP’s focus on women’s boxing is driven by creating a global brand, with the largest roster of elite fighters, that delivers a product that is unquestionably the best athletes in the sport. Adding an undefeated world champion of Caroline’s caliber is another key piece to that vision. She joins our elite British contingent, and we look forward to providing her the opportunity to continue her rise with an MVP event in the UK in early 2026."

Dubois is unbeaten in 12 fights but did draw her first title defence earlier this year when her bout with Jessica Camara was stopped after three rounds following a clash of heads. Dubois returned in March to outpoint Bo Mi Re Shin. After signing with Paul, she said: “Signing with MVP is the next step in my career, I'm proud to be under their roster, and I believe they will be able to help me on my Quest for Greatness.

"The mission must be to become the face of women's boxing. I’m super excited to make my debut on MVP and Netflix on Friday, December 19. Winning and winning in style, while announcing myself on the biggest stage and platform, is my dream and main motivation."