Joshua Reiterates on Inflammatory "Kill" Remarks Directed at Paul
Anthony Joshua doubled down on his controversial comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a press event in Miami on midweek.
The remarks were initially uttered on the previous day when the boxer was asked if he would show restraint against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
Saturday's contest against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted debate over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two athletes.
Tyson Fury Labels Joshua a “Classless Loser”
Former titleholder The Gypsy King branded Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme language.
But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his position: “This is my profession, 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 raised, that's what's important, respectfully.”
He continued, “That's just the psychology we have to have as fighters. I don't know if other boxers 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. Everything can happen.”
“You hope your adversary exits the ring unharmed, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It was not personal.”
Jake Paul's Fiery Retort
Jake Paul, a huge outsider in the heavyweight contest as a career cruiserweight, was no less combative in his response.
“This is a contemporary combat sport,” he declared. “I'm ready. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”
Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Miami's arena in a fight many consider a major mismatch, with some arguing it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.
The professional contest will be contested over eight three-minute stanzas using standard ten-ounce padded 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, the fighter suggested he has been “brought in to rescue” 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 carry boxing on my back in this bout,” he added.
The event also had lighter exchanges, with AJ laughing as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.
The face-off passed without incident, with Paul adopting a odd pose before Joshua remained composed and playfully touched Paul's chain.
Both Fighters Deny Scripted Allegations
The surreal aspect of this bout has led to questions about its authenticity, including claims that he may be restricted from knocking Paul out.
“There's nothing in the agreement, Joshua can confirm it. We're going to war,” Paul said.
The former champion, wearing a valuable chain, humorously added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest 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 gained fame as an digital influencer, gathering a huge social media following.
He has never fought anyone of the former champion's skill level but maintained that his opponent would take him seriously.
“It's smart on his part,” Paul said. “This could potentially be, and will be, the largest defeat of his career.”
A victory for Paul would be arguably the biggest upset in the sport's annals.
It would certainly leave an indelible stain on Joshua's legacy, but the athlete stated it would not spell the end.
“I'd come back again, move on,” he said. “I will be main eventing again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a player in the sport.”
