Anthony Joshua Reiterates on Controversial "Kill" Remarks Aimed at Paul
The British heavyweight repeated his provocative remarks about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Miami on Wednesday.
The remarks were originally stated on Tuesday 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 contest against the internet personality turned fighter has drawn criticism over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two fighters.
Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”
Former titleholder Tyson Fury branded Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory rhetoric.
But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his stance: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.
“I understand many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I love what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's important, with all due respect.”
He continued, “That's just the mindset we have to have as boxers. I'm unsure 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 perilous 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.”
Paul's Fiery Response
Paul, a huge outsider in the fight as a natural cruiserweight, was no less combative in his retort.
“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” he stated. “I'm ready. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”
AJ will face his opponent, 28, at Miami's arena in a fight many regard as a major mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.
The official fight will be contested over eight 3-minute rounds using standard ten-ounce padded gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for the former champion.
Joshua Says He Was “Brought In to Rescue” The Sport
Despite the vulgar terminology used, the fighter said he has been “called in to save” the sport of boxing.
“They want me to halt the Jake Paul phenomenon and I comprehend it and that's why I have to bear boxing on my back in this bout,” he added.
The news conference also had lighter exchanges, with Joshua smiling as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.
The face-off passed peacefully, with the underdog striking a unusual pose before Joshua remained composed and lightly grabbed his chain.
Both Fighters Deny Scripted Claims
The peculiar aspect of this fight has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including claims that Joshua may be restricted from scoring a knockout.
“There are no clauses in the agreement, AJ can confirm it. We're going to war,” Paul insisted.
Joshua, wearing a expensive chain, jokingly added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the purse.”
Paul has claimed on social media that the fight earnings will be extremely large.
Biggest Upset in Sport's History?
Jake Paul first made his name as an online prankster, amassing a huge online audience.
He has not faced anyone of the former champion's pedigree but insisted that his rival would take him seriously.
“It's smart on his part,” Paul commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the largest defeat of his life.”
A victory for Paul would be perhaps the most shocking upset in the sport's history.
It would certainly leave an indelible mark on Joshua's record, but the athlete stated it would not mean retirement.
“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a player in the sport.”