Joshua Reiterates on Provocative ‘Kill’ Comments Aimed at Paul

Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul face off
Jake Paul will meet a major disadvantage against two-time heavyweight champion AJ.

The British heavyweight doubled down on his much-discussed remarks about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a press event in Miami on Wednesday.

His words were originally stated on the previous day when the boxer was asked if he would show restraint against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming contest against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted concern over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two competitors.

Fury Calls AJ a “Disgrace”

Former titleholder Tyson Fury called Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme rhetoric.

But Joshua, justified his stance: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I understand 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 psychology we have to have as fighters. I'm unsure if other boxers think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a perilous thing. Anything can happen.”

“You wish your opponent exits the ring safely, 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 Incendiary Response

Paul, a massive outsider in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was no less combative in his reply.

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” Paul said. “I'm prepared. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”

Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many regard as a significant mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

The professional contest will be contested over eight 3-minute rounds using regular ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.

He Says He Was “Brought In to Save” The Sport

Despite the extreme language used, the fighter suggested he has been “brought in to save” boxing.

“They want me to stop the Jake Paul phenomenon and I comprehend it and that's why I have to carry boxing on my back in this bout,” he concluded.

The event also had more humorous exchanges, with AJ smiling as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The final staredown concluded peacefully, with the underdog striking a odd posture before Joshua stayed composed and playfully grabbed Paul's necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Allegations

The surreal nature of this bout has led to rumors about its legitimacy, 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, wearing a expensive necklace, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the payment.”

Paul has stated on social media that the fight earnings will be extremely large.

Biggest Shock in Sport's History?

Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, gathering a massive social media following.

He has not faced anyone of Joshua's skill level but maintained that his opponent would take him seriously.

“It's smart on his part,” Paul said. “This could potentially be, and will be, the largest defeat of his career.”

A win for Paul would be perhaps the most shocking surprise in the boxing's history.

It would certainly leave an indelible stain on Joshua's legacy, but the fighter stated it would not mean retirement.

“I would come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I will be main eventing again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a player in the game.”
Kimberly Bean
Kimberly Bean

A professional poker strategist with over a decade of experience in tournament play and coaching.