Anthony Joshua Reiterates on Controversial "Kill" Remarks Aimed at Jake Paul
Anthony Joshua doubled down on his controversial comments about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Miami on Wednesday.
His words were initially uttered on Tuesday when Joshua was asked 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 internet personality turned fighter has attracted concern over the risk involved and the size difference between the two athletes.
Tyson Fury Labels Joshua a “Classless Loser”
Ex- world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King labeled Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory rhetoric.
But Joshua, justified 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 take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's crucial, with all due respect.”
He continued, “That's just the mindset we have to have as warriors. I'm unsure if other boxers think that way. Maybe they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a dangerous thing. Anything can happen.”
“You pray your opponent leaves the ring safely, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It wasn't personal.”
Jake Paul's Incendiary Response
Paul, a huge outsider in the heavyweight contest as a natural cruiserweight, was equally combative in his response.
“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” he said. “I'm prepared. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”
AJ will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a fight many consider a major mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.
The professional contest will be contested over 8 three-minute stanzas using regular 10oz gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.
He Says He Was “Called In to Save” The Sport
Despite the vulgar language used, Joshua said he has been “called in to rescue” the sport of boxing.
“They want me to put an end to the Jake Paul phenomenon and I comprehend it and that's why I have to bear the sport on my back in this bout,” he added.
The news conference also had more humorous exchanges, with AJ laughing as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.
The face-off passed without incident, with Paul adopting a unusual posture before the champion stayed calm and playfully grabbed Paul's chain.
Paul & Joshua Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims
The peculiar nature of this bout has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including suggestions that Joshua may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.
“There are no clauses in the agreement, AJ can confirm it. We're going to battle,” Paul said.
The former champion, wearing a expensive chain, humorously added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the payment.”
Paul has stated on social media that the fight earnings will be exceptionally high.
Largest Upset in Sport's History?
Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, gathering a huge social media following.
He has never fought anyone of the former champion's calibre but maintained that his opponent would take him seriously.
“It's a wise move on his part,” Paul said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the greatest defeat of his life.”
A win for the underdog would be arguably the most shocking upset in the sport's history.
It would certainly leave an permanent mark on Joshua's legacy, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.
“I'd come back again, move on,” he remarked. “I will be headlining again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a player in the game.”
