Joshua Doubles Down on Inflammatory ‘Kill’ Remarks Directed at Jake Paul
Anthony Joshua repeated his much-discussed comments about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Florida on midweek.
These statements were initially uttered on Tuesday when Joshua was questioned if he would show restraint against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
Saturday's bout against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted debate over safety concerns and the size difference between the two fighters.
Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”
Ex- world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King branded Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory comments.
But Joshua, justified his mindset: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a licence to kill.
“I'm sure many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's paramount, with all due respect.”
He stated, “That's just the psychology we have to have as boxers. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a perilous thing. Anything can happen.”
“You wish your opponent exits the ring safely, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It was purely professional.”
Paul's Incendiary Response
Paul, a considerable underdog in the fight as a natural cruiserweight, was no less incendiary in his response.
“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” Paul stated. “I'm prepared. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”
Joshua will face Paul, 28, at Miami's arena in a bout many consider a significant mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.
The professional contest will be contested over eight 3-minute rounds using standard ten-ounce padded gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for the former champion.
Joshua Says He Was “Brought In to Save” The Sport
Despite the extreme language used, the fighter suggested he has been “called in to rescue” the sport of boxing.
“They want me to stop the Jake Paul phenomenon and I comprehend it and that's why I have to carry the sport on my back in this bout,” he concluded.
The event also had more humorous moments, with Joshua laughing as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.
The face-off passed without incident, with Paul striking a unusual posture before the champion stayed composed and playfully touched Paul's necklace.
Paul & Joshua Dismiss Scripted Claims
The peculiar nature of this fight has led to speculation about its authenticity, including claims that Joshua may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.
“There are no clauses in the agreement, Joshua can attest to it. We're going to war,” Jake Paul insisted.
Joshua, wearing a expensive necklace, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the payment.”
Paul has claimed on social media that the fight earnings will be extremely high.
Largest Upset in Sport's History?
Paul first made his name as an online prankster, amassing a massive social media following.
He has never fought anyone of Joshua's calibre but maintained that his rival would take him seriously.
“It's a wise move on his part,” he commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the greatest loss of his career.”
A victory for the underdog would be arguably the biggest upset in the sport's annals.
It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on Joshua's legacy, but the athlete said it would not spell the end.
“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I'll be headlining again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”