Joshua Reiterates on Controversial "Kill" Remarks Towards Jake Paul
Anthony Joshua doubled down on his controversial remarks about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Florida on midweek.
These statements were first made on Tuesday when Joshua was asked if he would show restraint against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
Saturday's fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted debate over the risk involved and the size difference between the two fighters.
Fury Calls AJ a “Disgrace”
Ex- titleholder Tyson Fury called Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory language.
But Joshua, explained his mindset: “It's my job, we fight. We have a licence to kill.
“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 held high, that's what's important, with all due respect.”
He continued, “That's just the psychology we have to have as boxers. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Maybe they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a dangerous thing. Everything can happen.”
“You hope 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 was not personal.”
Jake Paul's Fiery Retort
Jake Paul, a massive outsider in the heavyweight contest as a career cruiserweight, was no less fiery in his response.
“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” Paul declared. “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.”
AJ will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Florida's arena in a bout many consider a glaring mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.
The official fight will be fought over 8 three-minute rounds using regular 10oz gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for the former champion.
He Claims He Was “Brought In to Save” The Sport
Despite the graphic language used, Joshua said he has been “called in to save” the sport of 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 concluded.
The event also had more humorous moments, with Joshua laughing as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.
The final staredown passed without incident, with Paul adopting a bizarre posture before the champion stayed calm and playfully grabbed his necklace.
Paul & Joshua Deny Scripted Claims
The peculiar nature of this bout has led to questions about its authenticity, including claims 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, wearing a valuable chain, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the money.”
He has stated on his platforms that the total purse will be exceptionally high.
Biggest Shock in Boxing History?
Paul first made his name as an online prankster, amassing a huge social media following.
He has never fought anyone of Joshua's skill level but maintained that his rival would not underestimate him.
“It's smart on his part,” he said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the largest defeat of his life.”
A victory for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest upset in the boxing's annals.
It would undoubtedly leave an permanent mark on Joshua's legacy, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.
“I'd return again, shake it off,” he said. “I will be headlining again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the sport.”
