Anthony Joshua Reaffirms on Provocative "Kill" Comments Aimed at Jake Paul

Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul face off
The YouTuber-turned-boxer is set to fight a major challenge against former world titleholder AJ.

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

His words were originally stated on Tuesday when Joshua was asked if he would show restraint against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked concern over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two competitors.

Fury Labels AJ a “Disgrace”

Ex- titleholder Tyson Fury labeled Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory rhetoric.

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

“I'm sure many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's important, respectfully.”

He stated, “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 tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a dangerous thing. Everything can happen.”

“You wish your opponent leaves the ring safely, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It was not personal.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Retort

Jake Paul, a huge underdog in the fight as a career cruiserweight, was no less combative in his retort.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” he declared. “I'm prepared. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”

Joshua will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a fight many regard as a glaring mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be contested over eight three-minute stanzas using regular 10oz gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for the former champion.

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

Despite the graphic terminology used, the fighter suggested he has been “called in to rescue” the sport of boxing.

“They want me to halt the Jake Paul phenomenon and I comprehend it and that's why I have to bear boxing on my back in this fight,” he added.

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

The face-off concluded without incident, with the underdog adopting a bizarre posture before the champion stayed calm and playfully grabbed his necklace.

Both Fighters Deny Scripted Claims

The peculiar aspect of this bout has led to questions about its legitimacy, including suggestions that Joshua may be restricted from knocking Paul out.

“There's nothing in the contract, Joshua can attest to it. We're going to battle,” Jake Paul insisted.

Joshua, wearing a expensive chain, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the payment.”

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

Biggest Upset in Sport's History?

Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, amassing a huge online audience.

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,” Paul commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the largest defeat of his career.”

A win for Paul would be perhaps the biggest surprise in the boxing's annals.

It would certainly leave an permanent stain on his record, but the fighter stated it would not mean retirement.

“I'd come back again, move on,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a player in the game.”
Suzanne Conrad
Suzanne Conrad

A gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in casino strategy and player psychology.