Anthony Joshua Reiterates on Inflammatory ‘Kill’ Comments Directed at Jake Paul
Anthony Joshua stood by his controversial remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Miami on Wednesday.
These statements were originally stated on the previous day when Joshua was questioned if he would show restraint against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
Saturday's fight against the internet personality turned fighter has sparked concern over safety concerns and the size difference between the two athletes.
Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”
Ex- titleholder Tyson Fury called Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory language.
But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his position: “It's my job, we fight. We have a licence to kill.
“I understand many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”
He continued, “That's just the psychology we have to have as warriors. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a dangerous thing. Everything can happen.”
“You hope your opponent exits the ring unharmed, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It was not personal.”
Jake Paul's Incendiary Response
Jake Paul, a considerable outsider in the heavyweight contest as a natural lighter fighter, was no less fiery in his response.
“This is a modern day combat sport,” he said. “I'm prepared. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”
AJ will face Paul, 28, at Florida's arena in a bout many see as a significant mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.
The professional contest will be fought over eight three-minute stanzas using regular 10oz gloves, with a specified weight limit for Joshua.
Joshua Says He Was “Called In to Save” The Sport
Despite the vulgar terminology used, Joshua said he has been “called in to save” the sport of boxing.
“They want me to put an end to the Jake Paul phenomenon and I understand it and that's why I have to bear boxing on my back in this bout,” he added.
The news conference also had lighter exchanges, with Joshua laughing as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.
The final staredown concluded peacefully, with the underdog striking a bizarre pose before the champion remained composed and lightly grabbed his chain.
Paul & Joshua Dismiss Scripted Allegations
The unusual nature of this bout has led to questions about its authenticity, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.
“There's nothing in the agreement, Joshua can confirm it. We're going to battle,” Jake Paul said.
The former champion, sporting a expensive necklace, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the purse.”
Paul has claimed on social media that the total purse will be exceptionally large.
Biggest Upset in Boxing History?
Jake Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, amassing a massive online audience.
He has never fought anyone of Joshua's pedigree but maintained that his opponent would take him seriously.
“It's smart on his part,” Paul said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the largest loss of his life.”
A win for the underdog would be perhaps the most shocking upset in the sport's history.
It would certainly leave an indelible mark on his legacy, but the fighter stated it would not spell the end.
“I would return again, move on,” he remarked. “I will be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a player in the game.”