Joshua Reiterates on Provocative ‘Kill’ Remarks Aimed at Jake Paul
Anthony Joshua doubled down on his provocative remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Florida on midweek.
His words were initially uttered on the previous day when Joshua was asked if he would show restraint against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
Saturday's contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted criticism over safety concerns and the size difference between the two fighters.
Fury Labels Joshua a “Classless Loser”
Former titleholder The Gypsy King branded Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory 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 grasp it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's important, respectfully.”
He added, “That's just the mindset we have to have as fighters. I don't know if other boxers think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a risky thing. Everything can happen.”
“You wish your opponent exits the ring in good health, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It was purely professional.”
Jake Paul's Incendiary Retort
Jake Paul, a considerable underdog in the heavyweight contest as a career lighter fighter, was equally fiery in his reply.
“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” he stated. “I'm ready. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. We should kill each other.”
Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Florida's arena in a bout many regard as a major mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.
The official fight will be fought over eight 3-minute stanzas using regular 10oz gloves, with a specified maximum weight for Joshua.
He Claims He Was “Called In to Save” Boxing
Despite the vulgar terminology used, Joshua said he has been “called in to save” boxing.
“They want me to stop the Jake Paul show and I comprehend it and that's why I have to bear boxing on my back in this fight,” he added.
The event also had lighter moments, with AJ smiling as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.
The final staredown passed peacefully, with Paul adopting a bizarre posture before the champion remained calm and lightly touched his chain.
Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims
The surreal nature of this fight has led to rumors about its legitimacy, including suggestions that he may be restricted from scoring a knockout.
“There's nothing in the contract, AJ can confirm it. We're going to battle,” Paul said.
The former champion, wearing a expensive necklace, jokingly added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the payment.”
He has claimed on social media that the fight earnings will be extremely high.
Biggest Shock in Boxing History?
Jake Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, amassing a huge social media following.
He has never fought anyone of Joshua's calibre 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 greatest loss of his life.”
A victory for the underdog would be perhaps the most shocking surprise in the sport's history.
It would certainly leave an indelible stain on his legacy, but the fighter stated it would not mean retirement.
“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I'll be main eventing again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a player in the game.”