Anthony Joshua Reiterates on Inflammatory ‘Kill’ Remarks Aimed at Paul
The British heavyweight doubled down on his controversial remarks about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Miami on midweek.
His words were first made on the previous day when the boxer was asked if he would show restraint against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
The upcoming contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked criticism over the risk involved and the size difference between the two athletes.
Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”
Ex- world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King labeled Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory rhetoric.
But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his position: “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. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's important, respectfully.”
He added, “That's just the mindset we have to have as warriors. I'm unsure if other fighters 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. Anything can happen.”
“You wish your opponent leaves the ring unharmed, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It wasn't personal.”
Paul's Fiery Retort
Jake Paul, a considerable underdog in the heavyweight contest as a career cruiserweight, was equally incendiary in his retort.
“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” he said. “I'm prepared. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”
AJ will face Paul, 28, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many consider a glaring mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.
The official fight will be fought over eight 3-minute stanzas using regular ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified weight limit for Joshua.
He Says He Was “Brought In to Save” The Sport
Despite the graphic language used, Joshua claimed he has been “called in to save” boxing.
“They want me to halt 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 lighter moments, with AJ laughing as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.
The face-off passed peacefully, with the underdog adopting a unusual pose before the champion remained calm and lightly grabbed Paul's necklace.
Paul & Joshua Dismiss Scripted Claims
The surreal nature of this fight has led to questions about its authenticity, including suggestions that Joshua may be restricted from knocking Paul out.
“There are no clauses in the agreement, Joshua can confirm it. We're going to battle,” Jake Paul insisted.
The former champion, sporting a valuable necklace, jokingly remarked, “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 extremely large.
Biggest Upset in Sport's History?
Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, gathering a massive online audience.
He has never fought anyone of the former champion's pedigree but insisted that his opponent would not underestimate him.
“It's a wise move on his part,” Paul commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the biggest defeat of his career.”
A win for Paul would be arguably the most shocking surprise in the boxing's history.
It would certainly leave an indelible stain on his record, but the fighter said it would not spell the end.
“I would return again, move on,” he remarked. “I'll be headlining again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”