Joshua Reiterates on Inflammatory ‘Kill’ Statements Directed at Paul
Anthony Joshua repeated his much-discussed comments about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Florida on Wednesday.
The remarks were originally stated on Tuesday when the boxer was questioned if he would show restraint against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
Saturday's bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn debate over the risk involved and the size difference between the two athletes.
Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Disgrace”
Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury labeled Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory language.
But Joshua, justified his position: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a licence to kill.
“I'm sure many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is held high, 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 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 perilous thing. Anything can happen.”
“You wish your adversary exits the ring unharmed, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It was purely professional.”
Paul's Incendiary Response
Jake Paul, a massive outsider in the heavyweight contest as a career cruiserweight, was equally incendiary in his reply.
“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” Paul stated. “I'm prepared. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”
AJ will face Paul, 28, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a bout many see as a major mismatch, with some arguing it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.
The professional contest will be fought over eight 3-minute stanzas using regular 10oz padded gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for the former champion.
He Claims He Was “Called In to Save” The Sport
Despite the graphic terminology used, Joshua suggested he has been “called in to save” 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 concluded.
The news conference also had more humorous moments, with AJ laughing as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.
The face-off passed without incident, with the underdog adopting a unusual posture before the champion remained calm and lightly grabbed Paul's chain.
Paul & Joshua Dismiss Scripted Claims
The unusual aspect of this bout has led to speculation about its authenticity, including suggestions that Joshua may be restricted from scoring a knockout.
“There are no clauses in the agreement, Joshua can attest to it. We're going to battle,” Jake Paul said.
The former champion, sporting a valuable necklace, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the purse.”
He has claimed on social media that the total purse will be exceptionally large.
Biggest Shock in Boxing History?
Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, gathering a massive online audience.
He has never fought anyone of the former champion's pedigree but insisted that his opponent would not underestimate him.
“It's a wise move on his part,” Paul commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the greatest defeat of his life.”
A win for the underdog would be arguably the biggest upset in the boxing's annals.
It would certainly leave an indelible mark on Joshua's record, but the athlete said it would not spell the end.
“I would return again, move on,” he remarked. “I will be headlining again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a player in the sport.”
