Joshua Reaffirms on Inflammatory "Kill" Remarks Directed at Paul
Anthony Joshua doubled down on his much-discussed comments about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a press event in Miami on Wednesday.
These statements were first made on the previous day when Joshua was questioned if he would show restraint against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
The upcoming fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted concern over the risk involved and the size difference between the two fighters.
Fury Labels Joshua a “Classless Loser”
Ex- world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury branded Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme rhetoric.
But the 36-year-old fighter, explained his mindset: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.
“I understand many people don't grasp it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's paramount, respectfully.”
He stated, “That's just the mentality we have to have as fighters. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a dangerous thing. Anything can happen.”
“You pray your opponent leaves the ring safely, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It was purely professional.”
Paul's Incendiary Retort
Jake Paul, a massive underdog in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was no less fiery in his retort.
“This is a contemporary combat sport,” he declared. “I'm prepared. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”
Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Florida's arena in a bout many see as a major mismatch, with some arguing it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.
The official fight will be fought over eight 3-minute stanzas using regular 10oz gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for the former champion.
Joshua Says He Was “Called In to Rescue” The Sport
Despite the extreme terminology used, the fighter claimed he has been “called in to save” the sport of boxing.
“They want me to halt the Jake Paul show and I comprehend it and that's why I have to bear boxing on my back in this fight,” he added.
The news conference also had lighter moments, with AJ smiling as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.
The final staredown concluded without incident, with Paul striking a bizarre pose before the champion stayed composed and lightly touched his necklace.
Paul & Joshua Deny Pre-Arranged Claims
The surreal nature of this fight has led to questions about its legitimacy, including claims 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,” Paul said.
The former champion, wearing a valuable chain, jokingly added, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the money.”
Paul has stated on his platforms that the fight earnings will be extremely large.
Biggest Shock in Boxing History?
Jake Paul first made his name as an online prankster, gathering a massive online audience.
He has not faced anyone of the former champion's pedigree but maintained that his opponent would not underestimate him.
“It's smart on his part,” he said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the greatest defeat of his life.”
A win for Paul would be perhaps the biggest surprise in the sport's history.
It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on Joshua's record, but the fighter stated it would not spell the end.
“I'd come back again, move on,” he remarked. “I will be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”
