Anthony Joshua Reiterates on Inflammatory "Kill" Comments Directed at Jake Paul
The British heavyweight stood by his provocative remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Florida on Wednesday.
The remarks were originally stated on the previous day when Joshua was questioned if he would hold back against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
Saturday's fight against the internet personality turned fighter has sparked criticism over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two athletes.
Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Disgrace”
Ex- world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King called Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory language.
But the 36-year-old fighter, explained his position: “This is my profession, 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 - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's paramount, 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 reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a dangerous thing. Anything can happen.”
“You pray your adversary exits 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.”
Paul's Incendiary Retort
Paul, a massive outsider in the heavyweight contest as a natural lighter fighter, was no less fiery in his reply.
“This is a modern day combat sport,” Paul stated. “I'm ready. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”
Joshua will face his opponent, 28, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many consider a glaring mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.
The professional contest will be fought over eight 3-minute stanzas using standard 10oz padded gloves, with a specified weight limit for the former champion.
He Claims He Was “Called In to Save” Boxing
Despite the vulgar language used, the fighter said he has been “brought in to save” boxing.
“They want me to stop the Jake Paul phenomenon and I comprehend it and that's why I have to bear the sport on my back in this bout,” he concluded.
The news conference also had lighter exchanges, with AJ smiling as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.
The final staredown concluded without incident, with the underdog striking a odd pose before the champion remained calm and playfully touched Paul's chain.
Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Allegations
The unusual nature of this bout has led to questions about its authenticity, including claims that he may be prohibited 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, wearing a expensive necklace, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the purse.”
He has stated on his platforms that the total purse will be exceptionally large.
Largest Shock in Sport's History?
Paul first made his name as an online prankster, gathering a huge online audience.
He has never fought anyone of Joshua's skill level but maintained that his rival would take him seriously.
“It's a wise move on his part,” Paul commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the greatest loss of his life.”
A win for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest upset in the boxing's history.
It would certainly leave an indelible stain on Joshua's record, but the athlete said it would not mean retirement.
“I would come back again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I will be main eventing again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a player in the sport.”