Anthony Joshua Reaffirms on Inflammatory "Kill" Remarks Directed at Paul
Anthony Joshua stood by his much-discussed comments about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Florida on midweek.
The remarks were initially uttered on the previous day when Joshua was asked if he would show restraint against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
Saturday's contest against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted debate over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two competitors.
Fury Calls Joshua a “Disgrace”
Ex- world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury labeled Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory language.
But Joshua, defended his position: “This is my profession, 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 held high, that's what's important, with all due respect.”
He stated, “That's just the mentality we have to have as fighters. 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 ring, it's a dangerous thing. Everything can happen.”
“You pray 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 Fiery Retort
Jake Paul, a massive outsider in the fight as a career cruiserweight, was equally fiery in his reply.
“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” he said. “I'm ready. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”
Joshua will face Paul, 28, at Florida's arena in a fight many regard as a major mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.
The official fight will be fought over 8 three-minute rounds using regular 10oz padded gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for the former champion.
Joshua Claims He Was “Called In to Save” Boxing
Despite the extreme language used, the fighter said he has been “brought in to save” the sport of boxing.
“They want me to stop the Jake Paul phenomenon and I comprehend it and that's why I have to bear the sport on my back in this bout,” he concluded.
The news conference also had more humorous moments, with AJ smiling as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.
The final staredown concluded without incident, with Paul striking a bizarre pose before the champion stayed calm and lightly touched Paul's necklace.
Both Fighters Deny Scripted Allegations
The surreal nature of this fight has led to questions about its authenticity, including suggestions that Joshua may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.
“There's nothing in the contract, Joshua can confirm it. We're going to battle,” Jake Paul insisted.
The former champion, sporting a valuable chain, humorously added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the payment.”
He has claimed on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely high.
Biggest Upset in Boxing History?
Jake Paul first made his name as an online prankster, gathering a massive social media following.
He has never fought anyone of the former champion's pedigree but insisted that his opponent would not underestimate him.
“It's smart on his part,” Paul said. “This could potentially be, and will be, the greatest loss of his life.”
A win for the underdog would be perhaps the most shocking upset in the sport's annals.
It would undoubtedly leave an permanent stain on his record, but the athlete stated it would not mean retirement.
“I would come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I will be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”