Anthony Joshua Doubles Down on Inflammatory "Kill" Statements Aimed at Jake Paul
The British heavyweight repeated his provocative comments about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Miami on Wednesday.
These statements were initially uttered on Tuesday when the boxer was questioned if he would show restraint against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
Saturday's fight against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted concern over safety concerns and the size difference between the two athletes.
Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”
Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury labeled Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme rhetoric.
But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his stance: “It's my job, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.
“I'm sure many people don't understand 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, respectfully.”
He continued, “That's just the mentality we have to have as fighters. I'm unsure if other boxers 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 dangerous thing. Anything can happen.”
“You wish your opponent leaves 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.”
Paul's Fiery Response
Jake Paul, a considerable outsider in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was equally combative 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. We should kill each other.”
Joshua will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a bout many consider a significant mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.
The professional contest will be contested over 8 3-minute stanzas using regular 10oz gloves, with a specified weight limit for the former champion.
Joshua Says He Was “Called In to Rescue” The Sport
Despite the extreme language 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 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 more humorous moments, with AJ smiling as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.
The face-off passed peacefully, with Paul striking a bizarre posture before the champion stayed calm and lightly grabbed his chain.
Both Fighters Deny Scripted Allegations
The unusual aspect of this bout has led to questions about its authenticity, including claims that Joshua may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.
“There's nothing in the contract, AJ can attest to it. We're going to battle,” Jake Paul insisted.
The former champion, wearing a valuable chain, jokingly added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the payment.”
He has stated on social media that the total purse will be extremely large.
Biggest Shock in Boxing History?
Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, amassing a massive social media following.
He has never fought anyone of the former champion's skill level but insisted that his opponent would not underestimate him.
“It's smart on his part,” Paul commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the biggest loss of his life.”
A win for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest surprise in the boxing's annals.
It would certainly leave an permanent stain on Joshua's record, but the fighter stated it would not spell the end.
“I would return again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I'll be main eventing again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a player in the sport.”