Joshua Reiterates on Inflammatory "Kill" Statements Aimed at Jake Paul
Anthony Joshua repeated his controversial comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a press event in Florida on Wednesday.
These statements were originally stated on the previous day when the boxer was questioned if he would hold back against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
The upcoming contest against the internet personality turned fighter has sparked concern over the risk involved and the size difference between the two fighters.
Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”
Ex- world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury labeled Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory rhetoric.
But Joshua, defended his position: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.
“I'm sure many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's important, respectfully.”
He continued, “That's just the psychology we have to have as warriors. I'm unsure 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 leaves 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.”
Paul's Fiery Response
Jake Paul, a huge outsider in the heavyweight contest as a career lighter fighter, was equally fiery in his response.
“This is a contemporary combat sport,” Paul stated. “I'm prepared. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”
Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many consider a glaring mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.
The official fight will be contested over 8 three-minute stanzas using regular 10oz padded gloves, with a specified weight limit for the former champion.
Joshua Says He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing
Despite the vulgar language used, Joshua suggested he has been “brought in to save” the sport of boxing.
“They want me to halt the Jake Paul phenomenon and I understand it and that's why I have to bear the sport on my back in this fight,” he added.
The event also had more humorous moments, with Joshua smiling as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.
The face-off passed peacefully, with the underdog adopting a unusual posture before Joshua remained composed and lightly grabbed Paul's chain.
Paul & Joshua Deny Pre-Arranged Claims
The surreal nature of this fight has led to speculation 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 said.
Joshua, sporting a expensive chain, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the payment.”
He has stated on social media that the total purse will be extremely large.
Biggest Upset in Sport's History?
Jake Paul first made his name as an online prankster, amassing a huge social media following.
He has not faced anyone of Joshua's pedigree but insisted that his opponent would take him seriously.
“It's a wise move on his part,” he said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the biggest defeat of his life.”
A victory for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest surprise in the sport's annals.
It would certainly leave an permanent mark on his legacy, but the athlete stated it would not mean retirement.
“I'd come back again, move on,” he remarked. “I will be main eventing again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”