Joshua Reiterates on Provocative "Kill" Comments Directed at Jake Paul
Anthony Joshua repeated his much-discussed comments about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Florida on Wednesday.
The remarks were initially uttered on Tuesday when Joshua was questioned if he would hold back against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
Saturday's contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn criticism over safety concerns and the size difference between the two fighters.
Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”
Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King labeled Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory language.
But Joshua, defended his mindset: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a licence to kill.
“I'm sure many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I love what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”
He stated, “That's just the mindset we have to have as boxers. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Maybe they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, 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.”
Jake Paul's Incendiary Retort
Paul, a massive underdog in the fight as a natural lighter fighter, was equally incendiary in his retort.
“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” Paul declared. “I'm prepared. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”
AJ will face Paul, in his twenties, at Florida's arena in a fight many regard as a major mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.
The professional contest will be fought over eight 3-minute stanzas using standard 10oz padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for the former champion.
Joshua Says He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing
Despite the graphic language used, the fighter said he has been “brought in to save” 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 fight,” he added.
The news conference also had lighter exchanges, with Joshua smiling as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.
The face-off concluded without incident, with Paul striking a odd posture before Joshua stayed composed and lightly grabbed his necklace.
Both Fighters Dismiss Scripted Claims
The unusual nature of this bout has led to rumors about its legitimacy, including claims that he may be restricted from scoring a knockout.
“There's nothing in the agreement, AJ can attest to it. We're going to war,” Jake Paul insisted.
The former champion, sporting a valuable chain, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the payment.”
Paul has stated on his platforms that the fight earnings will be exceptionally large.
Largest Upset in Sport's History?
Jake Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, gathering a huge social media following.
He has never fought anyone of Joshua's skill level but insisted that his opponent would not underestimate him.
“It's smart on his part,” he commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the largest defeat of his career.”
A victory for Paul would be perhaps the most shocking upset in the sport's history.
It would certainly leave an permanent mark on Joshua's legacy, but the athlete stated it would not mean retirement.
“I'd return again, move on,” he said. “I will be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the sport.”
