Joshua Doubles Down on Controversial ‘Kill’ Comments Towards Jake Paul
Anthony Joshua doubled down on his much-discussed remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Florida on midweek.
His words were first made on Tuesday when the boxer was asked if he would show restraint against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
The upcoming bout against the internet personality turned fighter has sparked debate over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two fighters.
Fury Labels AJ a “Disgrace”
Former world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King branded Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory rhetoric.
But Joshua, defended his position: “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. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's important, with all due respect.”
He continued, “That's just the psychology we have to have as warriors. I don't know 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 safely, 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 Fiery Retort
Paul, a massive underdog in the heavyweight contest as a career lighter fighter, was equally incendiary in his response.
“This is a contemporary combat sport,” Paul said. “I'm prepared. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”
AJ will face Paul, 28, at Florida'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 eight 3-minute rounds using standard ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.
He Claims He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing
Despite the graphic language used, the fighter claimed he has been “called in to rescue” the sport of boxing.
“They want me to put an end to the Jake Paul show and I comprehend it and that's why I have to carry the sport on my back in this fight,” he added.
The event also had more humorous exchanges, with AJ smiling as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.
The final staredown concluded peacefully, with the underdog striking a bizarre pose before the champion remained calm and lightly grabbed Paul's chain.
Paul & Joshua Deny Scripted Claims
The peculiar nature of this bout has led to questions about its authenticity, including claims that Joshua may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.
“There are no clauses in the contract, AJ can confirm it. We're going to battle,” Paul insisted.
The former champion, wearing a valuable chain, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the purse.”
Paul has claimed on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely large.
Biggest Shock in Sport's History?
Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, gathering a huge online audience.
He has not faced anyone of the former champion's calibre but maintained that his opponent would take him seriously.
“It's a wise move on his part,” he commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the largest defeat of his life.”
A victory for Paul would be perhaps the most shocking surprise in the sport's history.
It would certainly leave an indelible stain on Joshua's legacy, but the athlete said it would not mean retirement.
“I would return again, move on,” he remarked. “I'll be headlining again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”
