Joshua Doubles Down on Controversial "Kill" Comments Towards Paul
Anthony Joshua doubled down on his controversial comments about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Florida on midweek.
His words were first made on Tuesday when the boxer was questioned if he would show restraint against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
Saturday's contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked concern over safety concerns and the size difference between the two fighters.
Tyson Fury Labels Joshua a “Classless Loser”
Ex- titleholder Tyson Fury labeled Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory language.
But Joshua, justified his stance: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.
“I'm sure many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's important, with all due respect.”
He stated, “That's just the mentality we have to have as fighters. 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 ring, it's a perilous thing. Anything can happen.”
“You hope your adversary exits the ring safely, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It was purely professional.”
Jake Paul's Incendiary Response
Paul, a massive outsider in the heavyweight contest as a natural cruiserweight, was equally fiery in his retort.
“This is a contemporary combat sport,” he declared. “I'm prepared. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”
Joshua will face his opponent, 28, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many consider a significant mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.
The professional contest will be contested over eight 3-minute rounds using standard 10oz padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.
He Claims He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing
Despite the vulgar language used, Joshua suggested he has been “brought in to rescue” boxing.
“They want me to halt 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 concluded.
The news conference also had lighter moments, with AJ smiling as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.
The face-off passed peacefully, with the underdog adopting a unusual posture before Joshua stayed composed and lightly grabbed his chain.
Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims
The surreal aspect of this fight has led to questions about its legitimacy, including suggestions that Joshua may be restricted from knocking Paul out.
“There are no clauses in the agreement, AJ can attest to it. We're going to war,” Paul said.
The former champion, sporting a valuable necklace, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the payment.”
He has claimed on his platforms that the total purse will be exceptionally high.
Biggest Upset in Boxing History?
Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, amassing a massive 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 smart on his part,” Paul said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the largest defeat of his life.”
A victory for Paul would be arguably the biggest surprise in the boxing's history.
It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on his legacy, but the fighter stated it would not mean retirement.
“I'd return again, move on,” he remarked. “I will be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”