Joshua Doubles Down on Inflammatory ‘Kill’ Statements Directed at Jake Paul
Anthony Joshua stood by his much-discussed remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Miami on midweek.
These statements were originally stated on the previous day when Joshua was questioned if he would show restraint against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
The upcoming contest against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted concern over the risk involved and the size difference between the two athletes.
Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”
Ex- titleholder Tyson Fury branded Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme comments.
But Joshua, justified his stance: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a licence to kill.
“I understand many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”
He stated, “That's just the mentality we have to have as warriors. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Maybe they're a bit more reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a perilous thing. Everything can happen.”
“You pray your adversary 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 considerable outsider in the fight as a career cruiserweight, was equally fiery in his reply.
“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” Paul said. “I'm prepared. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”
Joshua will face Paul, 28, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a fight many regard as a significant mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.
The official fight will be contested over 8 3-minute rounds using standard ten-ounce gloves, with a specified maximum weight for Joshua.
He Claims He Was “Called In to Save” The Sport
Despite the graphic terminology used, Joshua suggested he has been “brought in to save” the sport of boxing.
“They want me to put an end to the Jake Paul show and I understand it and that's why I have to bear boxing on my back in this fight,” he added.
The event also had more humorous exchanges, with AJ laughing as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.
The final staredown concluded peacefully, with Paul striking a unusual posture before Joshua stayed calm and lightly touched Paul's chain.
Paul & Joshua Deny Scripted Allegations
The unusual nature of this bout has led to rumors about its legitimacy, including suggestions that Joshua may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.
“There are no clauses in the contract, Joshua can confirm it. We're going to war,” Jake Paul said.
The former champion, sporting a expensive necklace, humorously added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the money.”
Paul has stated on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely high.
Biggest Upset in Boxing History?
Paul first made his name as an online prankster, gathering a massive online audience.
He has never fought anyone of Joshua's pedigree but maintained that his opponent would take him seriously.
“It's a wise move on his part,” he commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the biggest defeat of his career.”
A win for the underdog would be arguably the most shocking surprise in the sport's history.
It would certainly leave an permanent stain on Joshua's record, but the athlete stated it would not mean retirement.
“I'd return again, move on,” he said. “I'll be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the sport.”