🔗 Share this article

Anthony Joshua stood by his provocative comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Florida on midweek.

The remarks were first made on the previous day when the boxer was asked if he would hold back against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn concern over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two competitors.

Tyson Fury Labels AJ a “Disgrace”

Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King labeled Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme rhetoric.

But Joshua, justified his stance: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

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

He added, “That's just the mindset we have to have as warriors. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Maybe they're a bit more reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a dangerous thing. Everything can happen.”

“You wish 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 not personal.”

Jake Paul's Fiery Response

Paul, a huge outsider in the fight as a natural lighter fighter, was no less fiery in his response.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” he declared. “I'm prepared. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”

Joshua will face his opponent, 28, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a fight many consider a significant mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

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

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

Despite the extreme terminology used, the fighter said he has been “brought in to rescue” the sport of boxing.

“They want me to put an end to the Jake Paul show and I comprehend it and that's why I have to bear boxing on my back in this bout,” he concluded.

The event also had lighter moments, with Joshua smiling as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The face-off passed without incident, with Paul adopting a odd pose before Joshua remained composed and lightly touched Paul's chain.

Both Fighters Deny Pre-Arranged Claims

The peculiar aspect of this fight has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including suggestions that Joshua may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

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

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

He has claimed on social media that the total purse will be extremely high.

Biggest Upset in Boxing 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 pedigree but insisted that his opponent would not underestimate him.

“It's smart on his part,” Paul commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the biggest loss of his career.”

A victory for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest surprise in the boxing's annals.

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

“I would come back again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I'll be headlining again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a player in the sport.”