Anthony Joshua doubled down on his provocative comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Florida on midweek.
The remarks were initially uttered on Tuesday when Joshua was questioned if he would show restraint against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
Saturday's fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn criticism over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two fighters.
Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Disgrace”
Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury labeled Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme rhetoric.
But Joshua, explained his position: “This is what I do, 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 love what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”
He continued, “That's just the mentality we have to have as boxers. 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 dangerous thing. Everything can happen.”
“You hope 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 Incendiary Retort
Paul, a considerable outsider in the fight as a natural lighter fighter, was no less fiery in his reply.
“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” Paul declared. “I'm prepared. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”
AJ will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Florida's arena in a fight many regard as a glaring mismatch, with some arguing it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.
The professional contest will be fought over eight three-minute stanzas using regular ten-ounce padded gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for the former champion.
He Says He Was “Brought In to Rescue” The Sport
Despite the vulgar terminology used, the fighter said he has been “brought in to save” boxing.
“They want me to halt the Jake Paul show and I comprehend it and that's why I have to carry the sport on my back in this bout,” he concluded.
The event also had more humorous exchanges, with Joshua laughing as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.
The face-off passed without incident, with Paul adopting a unusual pose before Joshua stayed calm and playfully touched Paul's necklace.
Paul & Joshua Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims
The peculiar 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 contract, Joshua can confirm it. We're going to war,” Paul said.
The former champion, wearing a expensive chain, humorously added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the purse.”
Paul has stated on social media that the fight earnings will be exceptionally large.
Largest Shock in Sport's History?
Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, amassing a massive online audience.
He has never fought anyone of the former champion's calibre but maintained that his rival would take him seriously.
“It's a wise move on his part,” Paul said. “This could potentially be, and will be, the largest defeat of his life.”
A win for the underdog would be arguably the most shocking upset in the boxing's annals.
It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on his record, but the athlete stated it would not mean retirement.
“I would return again, move on,” he remarked. “I'll be headlining again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a player in the sport.”
