Anthony Joshua Reaffirms on Controversial "Kill" Remarks Directed at Jake Paul
Anthony Joshua stood by his controversial remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Miami on midweek.
His words were originally stated on Tuesday when the boxer was asked if he would hold back against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
The upcoming fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn criticism over safety concerns and the size difference between the two fighters.
Tyson Fury Labels Joshua a “Disgrace”
Ex- world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury labeled Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme language.
But Joshua, justified his position: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a licence to kill.
“I'm sure many people don't grasp it but this is what my job is. I love what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's important, with all due respect.”
He added, “That's just the mindset we have to have as warriors. 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 ring, it's a perilous thing. Everything can happen.”
“You wish your adversary exits the ring safely, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It was purely professional.”
Jake Paul's Incendiary Retort
Jake Paul, a massive outsider in the heavyweight contest as a career cruiserweight, was no less combative in his reply.
“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” he said. “I'm prepared. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. We should kill each other.”
Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a fight many regard as a significant mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.
The official fight will be contested over 8 three-minute rounds using regular 10oz gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.
He Claims He Was “Brought In to Rescue” The Sport
Despite the vulgar terminology used, Joshua claimed he has been “called in to rescue” boxing.
“They want me to halt the Jake Paul show and I understand it and that's why I have to carry boxing on my back in this bout,” he concluded.
The news conference also had lighter exchanges, with Joshua smiling as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.
The final staredown concluded without incident, with Paul adopting a unusual posture before Joshua remained composed and lightly grabbed his chain.
Both Fighters Deny Scripted Claims
The peculiar aspect of this bout has led to speculation about its authenticity, including claims that he may be restricted from scoring a knockout.
“There are no clauses in the contract, Joshua can confirm it. We're going to war,” Jake Paul insisted.
The former champion, wearing a expensive chain, jokingly added, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the purse.”
He has stated on social media that the fight earnings will be extremely large.
Largest Shock in Sport's History?
Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, amassing a huge social media following.
He has not faced anyone of the former champion's pedigree but insisted that his opponent would take him seriously.
“It's smart on his part,” he commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the biggest defeat of his career.”
A win for Paul would be arguably the most shocking upset in the boxing's annals.
It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on Joshua's legacy, but the athlete stated it would not spell the end.
“I would return again, move on,” he remarked. “I will be main eventing again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a player in the sport.”