Anthony Joshua Reaffirms on Inflammatory "Kill" Remarks Aimed at Jake Paul
Anthony Joshua doubled down on his much-discussed comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a press event in Florida on midweek.
These statements were first made on Tuesday when the boxer was questioned if he would hold back against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
Saturday's contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn concern over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two competitors.
Tyson Fury Labels AJ a “Classless Loser”
Ex- world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury called Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory language.
But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his stance: “It's my job, we fight. We have a licence to kill.
“I'm sure many people don't grasp it but this is what my job is. I love what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, with all due respect.”
He added, “That's just the mindset we have to have as warriors. I don't know if other boxers think that way. Maybe they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a perilous 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 purely professional.”
Jake Paul's Incendiary Response
Jake Paul, a massive outsider in the heavyweight contest as a natural cruiserweight, was equally fiery in his reply.
“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” he declared. “I'm ready. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”
Joshua will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many consider a major mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.
The professional contest will be fought over 8 3-minute stanzas using regular ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified weight limit for the former champion.
He Says He Was “Brought In to Rescue” Boxing
Despite the vulgar terminology used, the fighter suggested he has been “called in to save” the sport of boxing.
“They want me to halt the Jake Paul show and I understand it and that's why I have to carry boxing on my back in this bout,” he added.
The event also had lighter exchanges, with AJ laughing as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.
The face-off passed peacefully, with the underdog adopting a odd pose before the champion remained composed and playfully grabbed his necklace.
Both Fighters Deny Scripted Claims
The peculiar nature of this fight has led to questions about its authenticity, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.
“There are no clauses in the agreement, AJ can confirm it. We're going to war,” Jake Paul insisted.
The former champion, sporting a valuable chain, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the money.”
He has stated on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely high.
Largest Upset in Sport's History?
Jake Paul first made his name as an online prankster, amassing a massive social media following.
He has never fought anyone of the former champion's calibre but insisted that his opponent would not underestimate him.
“It's a wise move on his part,” Paul said. “This could potentially be, and will be, the biggest loss of his life.”
A win for Paul would be perhaps the biggest upset in the boxing's annals.
It would certainly leave an indelible stain on his record, but the fighter 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 player in the sport.”
