Anthony Joshua Reiterates on Provocative ‘Kill’ Statements Aimed at Jake Paul
Anthony Joshua repeated his provocative comments about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Florida on midweek.
His words were first made on the previous day when the boxer was asked if he would hold back against Paul, 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 fighters.
Fury Labels AJ a “Disgrace”
Former titleholder Tyson Fury called Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme language.
But Joshua, justified his position: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a licence to kill.
“I'm sure many people don't grasp it but this is what my job is. I love what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, with all due respect.”
He continued, “That's just the mindset we have to have as warriors. I'm unsure 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. Everything can happen.”
“You hope your adversary exits the ring unharmed, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It wasn't personal.”
Jake Paul's Incendiary Response
Paul, a huge outsider in the fight as a natural lighter fighter, was no less incendiary in his retort.
“This is a contemporary combat sport,” he said. “I'm ready. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”
AJ will face Paul, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many consider a glaring mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.
The professional contest will be fought over eight 3-minute rounds using standard 10oz padded gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for Joshua.
Joshua Claims He Was “Called In to Save” The Sport
Despite the graphic terminology used, Joshua said he has been “called in to rescue” boxing.
“They want me to put an end to the Jake Paul show 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 moments, with Joshua laughing as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.
The face-off concluded peacefully, with Paul adopting a bizarre posture before Joshua stayed composed and lightly grabbed Paul's chain.
Both Fighters Deny Pre-Arranged Claims
The surreal nature of this fight has led to rumors about its legitimacy, including claims that Joshua may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.
“There are no clauses in the contract, AJ can confirm it. We're going to war,” Paul said.
The former champion, wearing a expensive necklace, jokingly added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the purse.”
He has claimed on his platforms that the fight earnings will be extremely large.
Biggest Shock in Boxing History?
Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, amassing a huge online audience.
He has never fought anyone of the former champion's calibre but insisted that his rival would not underestimate him.
“It's a wise move on his part,” Paul commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the biggest loss of his life.”
A victory for the underdog would be arguably the most shocking surprise in the boxing's history.
It would certainly leave an permanent stain on his legacy, but the athlete stated it would not spell the end.
“I would come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I'll be headlining again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”
