Joshua Reaffirms on Provocative ‘Kill’ Comments Aimed at Jake Paul
Anthony Joshua repeated his much-discussed comments about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a press event in Miami on Wednesday.
The remarks were initially uttered on Tuesday when the boxer was asked if he would hold back against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
Saturday's fight against the internet personality turned fighter has drawn concern over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two athletes.
Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”
Former world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King branded Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme rhetoric.
But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his stance: “It's my job, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.
“I understand many people don't comprehend 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 crucial, with all due respect.”
He stated, “That's just the mentality we have to have as boxers. I'm unsure if other boxers think that way. Maybe they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a risky thing. Anything can happen.”
“You hope your adversary exits the ring in good health, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It wasn't personal.”
Paul's Incendiary Retort
Paul, a huge underdog in the heavyweight contest as a natural cruiserweight, was equally fiery in his response.
“This is a modern day combat sport,” Paul said. “I'm prepared. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”
Joshua will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a bout many regard as a glaring mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.
The official fight will be fought over eight three-minute stanzas using regular ten-ounce padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for Joshua.
He Claims He Was “Called In to Save” The Sport
Despite the extreme language used, Joshua suggested he has been “brought in to rescue” boxing.
“They want me to stop the Jake Paul phenomenon and I understand it and that's why I have to bear boxing on my back in this fight,” he added.
The news conference also had more humorous moments, with AJ smiling as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.
The final staredown passed without incident, with the underdog striking a odd pose before Joshua stayed calm and lightly grabbed his necklace.
Paul & Joshua Deny Pre-Arranged Claims
The peculiar nature of this bout has led to questions about its authenticity, including claims that Joshua may be restricted from scoring a knockout.
“There are no clauses in the contract, AJ can attest to it. We're going to war,” Jake Paul insisted.
The former champion, sporting a expensive chain, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the purse.”
Paul has claimed on social media that the fight earnings will be exceptionally large.
Largest Upset in Boxing History?
Jake Paul first made his name as an online prankster, gathering a massive social media following.
He has never fought anyone of the former champion's pedigree but insisted that his rival would take him seriously.
“It's a wise move on his part,” Paul commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the biggest loss of his life.”
A win for the underdog would be arguably the most shocking upset in the sport's history.
It would undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on Joshua's legacy, but the fighter stated it would not spell the end.
“I would come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I'll be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a player in the game.”
