Anthony Joshua Reaffirms on Provocative "Kill" Comments Directed at Jake Paul
Anthony Joshua repeated his provocative comments about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Miami on midweek.
These statements were initially uttered 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 drawn debate over safety concerns and the size difference between the two fighters.
Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Disgrace”
Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury branded Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme comments.
But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his position: “This is what I do, 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 just enjoy what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”
He stated, “That's just the psychology we have to have as fighters. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Maybe they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a risky thing. Anything can happen.”
“You pray your adversary exits the ring unharmed, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It was not personal.”
Jake Paul's Fiery Response
Jake Paul, a massive underdog in the heavyweight contest as a natural cruiserweight, was no less combative in his reply.
“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” he said. “I'm prepared. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. We should kill each other.”
AJ will face his opponent, 28, at Miami's arena in a fight many regard as a glaring mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.
The professional contest will be contested over 8 3-minute rounds using regular 10oz padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for the former champion.
Joshua Says He Was “Called In to Rescue” Boxing
Despite the extreme language used, Joshua suggested he has been “brought in to rescue” the sport of boxing.
“They want me to stop the Jake Paul show and I comprehend it and that's why I have to bear the sport on my back in this fight,” he added.
The event also had lighter exchanges, with Joshua laughing as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.
The face-off concluded without incident, with the underdog striking a unusual posture before the champion remained composed and lightly grabbed his chain.
Both Fighters Deny Pre-Arranged Allegations
The surreal nature of this fight has led to questions about its authenticity, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.
“There's nothing in the agreement, AJ can confirm it. We're going to war,” Jake Paul insisted.
The former champion, sporting a expensive necklace, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the payment.”
Paul has stated on his platforms that the fight earnings will be exceptionally high.
Biggest Upset in Boxing History?
Paul first made his name as an online prankster, amassing a massive online audience.
He has never fought anyone of the former champion's pedigree but insisted that his opponent would take him seriously.
“It's smart on his part,” he commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the greatest defeat of his career.”
A victory for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest upset in the sport's history.
It would certainly leave an permanent stain on Joshua's legacy, but the fighter stated it would not mean retirement.
“I would come back again, move on,” he remarked. “I'll be main eventing again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a player in the sport.”
