Joshua Doubles Down on Controversial ‘Kill’ Comments Directed at Jake Paul
Anthony Joshua repeated his provocative remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a press event in Miami on midweek.
The remarks were first made on Tuesday when Joshua was questioned if he would hold back against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
The upcoming contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn debate over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two fighters.
Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Disgrace”
Former titleholder The Gypsy King labeled Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme language.
But Joshua, defended his mindset: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a licence to kill.
“I understand many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I love what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's important, respectfully.”
He stated, “That's just the mindset we have to have as fighters. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a perilous thing. Anything can happen.”
“You hope your opponent exits the ring safely, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It wasn't personal.”
Paul's Incendiary Retort
Paul, a massive underdog in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was equally fiery in his reply.
“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” Paul said. “I'm prepared. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”
AJ will face his opponent, 28, at Miami's arena in a bout many see as 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 gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.
He Says He Was “Brought In to Save” The Sport
Despite the vulgar language used, Joshua suggested he has been “called in to save” the sport of boxing.
“They want me to put an end to the Jake Paul show and I understand it and that's why I have to carry boxing on my back in this fight,” he concluded.
The news conference also had more humorous moments, with Joshua laughing as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.
The final staredown passed without incident, with Paul striking a bizarre posture before the champion stayed composed and lightly grabbed Paul's necklace.
Paul & Joshua Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims
The peculiar aspect of this fight has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including claims that he may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.
“There are no clauses in the contract, AJ can attest to it. We're going to war,” Paul insisted.
Joshua, wearing a valuable chain, jokingly added, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the payment.”
Paul has claimed on social media that the total purse will be extremely high.
Biggest Upset in Sport's History?
Jake Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, amassing a huge online audience.
He has never fought anyone of Joshua's skill level but maintained that his opponent would take him seriously.
“It's smart on his part,” Paul commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the greatest defeat of his life.”
A win for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest upset in the sport's annals.
It would certainly leave an permanent stain on his legacy, but the fighter stated it would not spell the end.
“I would come back again, move on,” he remarked. “I will be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”
