Joshua Reiterates on Provocative "Kill" Statements Directed at Jake Paul
Anthony Joshua stood by his controversial comments about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a press event in Florida on Wednesday.
His words were originally stated on Tuesday 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”.
The upcoming bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn debate over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two competitors.
Fury Calls AJ a “Disgrace”
Former world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King labeled Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme rhetoric.
But Joshua, defended his stance: “It's my job, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.
“I'm sure many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's paramount, with all due respect.”
He added, “That's just the psychology we have to have as fighters. I don't know if other boxers think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a perilous thing. Everything can happen.”
“You wish 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 was purely professional.”
Jake Paul's Fiery Response
Jake Paul, a considerable outsider in the heavyweight contest as a career cruiserweight, was equally incendiary in his retort.
“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” he declared. “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.”
AJ will face Paul, 28, at Miami's arena in a bout many see as a glaring mismatch, with some arguing it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.
The official fight will be fought over eight three-minute rounds using standard 10oz padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for the former champion.
He Says He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing
Despite the extreme terminology used, the fighter said 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 the sport on my back in this bout,” he added.
The event also had lighter exchanges, with Joshua laughing as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.
The final staredown passed peacefully, with Paul striking a unusual posture before the champion remained composed and playfully grabbed Paul's chain.
Paul & Joshua Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims
The peculiar nature of this fight has led to rumors about its legitimacy, including suggestions that Joshua may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.
“There are no clauses in the agreement, AJ can attest to it. We're going to war,” Jake Paul said.
Joshua, sporting a expensive necklace, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the money.”
Paul has claimed on his platforms that the fight earnings will be extremely high.
Biggest Upset in Sport's History?
Paul first made his name as an online prankster, amassing a huge social media following.
He has not faced anyone of the former champion's pedigree but insisted that his opponent would not underestimate him.
“It's smart on his part,” he commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the biggest loss of his career.”
A victory for the underdog would be arguably the most shocking surprise in the boxing's history.
It would certainly leave an indelible stain on his record, but the athlete said it would not mean retirement.
“I'd 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.”
