Anthony Joshua Reaffirms on Inflammatory ‘Kill’ Statements Towards Jake Paul

Anthony Joshua doubled down on his provocative comments about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Miami on Wednesday.

The remarks were initially uttered on Tuesday when the boxer was questioned 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 drawn criticism over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Tyson Fury Labels Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Ex- titleholder Tyson Fury branded Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme language.

But Joshua, justified his position: “It's my job, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I'm sure many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's important, respectfully.”

He stated, “That's just the mindset we have to have as boxers. I don't know if other boxers think that way. Perhaps 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 opponent exits the ring unharmed, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It wasn't personal.”

Paul's Fiery Response

Jake Paul, a massive underdog in the fight as a career cruiserweight, was equally combative in his retort.

“This is a modern day combat sport,” he stated. “I'm ready. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. We should kill each other.”

Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a fight many regard as a glaring mismatch, with some arguing it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

The official fight will be fought over eight 3-minute stanzas using regular ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for Joshua.

Joshua Claims He Was “Called In to Rescue” The Sport

Despite the vulgar language used, Joshua claimed he has been “brought in to save” boxing.

“They want me to halt the Jake Paul show and I understand it and that's why I have to carry the sport on my back in this fight,” he concluded.

The news conference also had lighter moments, with AJ laughing as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown passed peacefully, with Paul striking a bizarre posture before the champion stayed calm and playfully touched Paul's chain.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Allegations

The unusual nature of this fight has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including suggestions that Joshua may be restricted from scoring a knockout.

“There are no clauses in the contract, Joshua can confirm it. We're going to battle,” Jake Paul said.

Joshua, sporting a expensive necklace, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the money.”

He has claimed on his platforms that the fight earnings will be extremely large.

Largest Shock in Boxing History?

Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, amassing a massive social media following.

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's calibre but maintained that his opponent would not underestimate him.

“It's smart on his part,” he said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the greatest loss of his life.”

A win for the underdog would be arguably the most shocking surprise in the sport's annals.

It would certainly leave an indelible stain on his legacy, but the athlete said it would not spell the end.

“I'd return again, move on,” he remarked. “I'll be main eventing again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a competitor in the game.”