Anthony Joshua Reaffirms on Inflammatory "Kill" Statements Aimed at Jake Paul
Anthony Joshua repeated his controversial remarks about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a news conference in Florida on midweek.
The remarks were originally stated on the previous day when the boxer was asked if he would show restraint against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
Saturday's bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted concern over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two competitors.
Fury Labels Joshua a “Classless Loser”
Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury called Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme rhetoric.
But Joshua, justified his position: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a licence to kill.
“I understand many people don't grasp it but this is what my job is. I love what I do. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's important, with all due respect.”
He stated, “That's just the mindset we have to have as warriors. I'm unsure if other boxers think that way. Maybe they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a perilous thing. Anything can happen.”
“You wish your adversary exits the ring safely, 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 Fiery Response
Paul, a massive outsider in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was no less fiery in his reply.
“This is a modern day combat sport,” Paul stated. “I'm ready. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”
Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Florida's arena in a fight many regard as a major mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.
The professional contest will be fought over eight three-minute rounds using standard ten-ounce gloves, with a specified weight limit for the former champion.
He Claims He Was “Called In to Save” The Sport
Despite the extreme language used, Joshua suggested he has been “called in to rescue” the sport of boxing.
“They want me to halt the Jake Paul phenomenon and I comprehend it and that's why I have to carry the sport on my back in this fight,” he concluded.
The event also had lighter exchanges, with AJ laughing as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.
The face-off passed peacefully, with Paul striking a bizarre posture before the champion remained composed and playfully grabbed Paul's chain.
Paul & Joshua Deny Pre-Arranged Claims
The surreal nature of this fight has led to rumors about its authenticity, including suggestions that he may be restricted from knocking Paul out.
“There's nothing in the contract, Joshua can attest to it. We're going to battle,” Jake Paul said.
The former champion, wearing a expensive chain, jokingly added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the purse.”
He has claimed on social media that the fight earnings will be exceptionally high.
Biggest Shock in Sport's History?
Jake Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, amassing a massive online audience.
He has not faced anyone of the former champion's skill level but insisted that his rival would not underestimate him.
“It's a wise move on his part,” he said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the greatest defeat of his life.”
A win for the underdog would be arguably the most shocking upset in the boxing's history.
It would certainly leave an indelible stain on Joshua's record, but the fighter said it would not spell the end.
“I would return again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I will be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the sport.”
