Joshua Reaffirms on Inflammatory "Kill" Comments Towards Paul
The British heavyweight repeated his much-discussed comments about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a press event in Florida on Wednesday.
His words were first made on Tuesday when the boxer was questioned if he would hold back against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
The upcoming bout against the internet personality turned fighter has drawn debate over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two competitors.
Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”
Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury branded Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory comments.
But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his position: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.
“I understand many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's important, respectfully.”
He added, “That's just the mentality we have to have as warriors. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Maybe they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a dangerous thing. Everything can happen.”
“You hope your adversary leaves the ring in good health, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It was not personal.”
Jake Paul's Fiery Response
Jake Paul, a huge underdog in the heavyweight contest as a natural cruiserweight, was equally incendiary in his response.
“This is a modern day combat sport,” Paul said. “I'm ready. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”
Joshua will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a bout many regard as a glaring mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.
The professional contest will be contested over 8 3-minute stanzas using standard 10oz gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for Joshua.
He Claims He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing
Despite the graphic terminology used, the fighter said he has been “called in to save” the sport of boxing.
“They want me to halt the Jake Paul show and I understand 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 exchanges, with Joshua laughing as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.
The face-off passed without incident, with the underdog adopting a bizarre pose before the champion remained calm and playfully grabbed his necklace.
Both Fighters Deny Scripted Claims
The unusual nature of this fight has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including suggestions that Joshua may be restricted from knocking Paul out.
“There are no clauses in the agreement, AJ can confirm it. We're going to war,” Paul insisted.
The former champion, wearing a expensive chain, humorously added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the money.”
Paul has claimed on social media that the fight earnings will be exceptionally high.
Largest Upset in Sport's History?
Paul first made his name as an online prankster, gathering a massive online audience.
He has never fought anyone of Joshua's pedigree but insisted that his opponent would take him seriously.
“It's a wise move on his part,” Paul said. “This could potentially be, and will be, the greatest defeat of his life.”
A victory for the underdog would be arguably the most shocking upset in the boxing's annals.
It would certainly leave an indelible stain on his record, but the fighter stated it would not spell the end.
“I would return again, shake it off,” he said. “I will be headlining again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a player in the sport.”