Anthony Joshua Reaffirms on Inflammatory ‘Kill’ Statements Aimed at Paul
The British heavyweight doubled down on his controversial remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Florida on Wednesday.
These statements were originally stated on the previous day when the boxer was questioned if he would show restraint against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
Saturday's fight against the internet personality turned fighter has sparked concern over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two competitors.
Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”
Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King branded Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme comments.
But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his position: “It's my job, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.
“I'm sure many people don't grasp it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”
He continued, “That's just the mentality we have to have as boxers. I don't know if other boxers think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a risky thing. Anything can happen.”
“You pray 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 was not personal.”
Jake Paul's Fiery Retort
Jake Paul, a huge outsider in the fight as a career cruiserweight, was no less incendiary in his reply.
“This is a contemporary combat sport,” he said. “I'm ready. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. We should kill each other.”
AJ will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a fight many regard as a glaring mismatch, with some arguing it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.
The official fight will be fought over eight 3-minute rounds using standard ten-ounce gloves, with a specified weight limit for Joshua.
He Claims He Was “Brought In to Save” The Sport
Despite the extreme terminology used, the fighter claimed he has been “called in to rescue” the sport of boxing.
“They want me to stop the Jake Paul phenomenon and I understand it and that's why I have to carry the sport on my back in this bout,” he concluded.
The event also had lighter moments, with AJ smiling as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.
The face-off passed without incident, with the underdog adopting a unusual pose before Joshua stayed calm and playfully grabbed Paul's chain.
Paul & Joshua Dismiss Scripted Claims
The unusual nature of this fight has led to rumors about its authenticity, including claims that he may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.
“There are no clauses in the contract, Joshua can attest to it. We're going to battle,” Jake Paul said.
The former champion, wearing a expensive necklace, humorously added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the purse.”
Paul has stated on his platforms that the fight earnings will be extremely large.
Largest Shock in Sport's History?
Jake Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, gathering a massive social media following.
He has never fought anyone of the former champion's pedigree but maintained that his rival would not underestimate him.
“It's a wise move on his part,” he commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the biggest loss of his career.”
A victory for Paul would be perhaps the most shocking upset in the boxing's annals.
It would certainly leave an permanent mark on Joshua's record, but the athlete stated it would not mean retirement.
“I would come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a player in the sport.”