🔗 Share this article

The British heavyweight repeated his controversial comments about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Miami on midweek.

The remarks were initially uttered on Tuesday when Joshua was questioned if he would hold back against the social media star, 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 size difference between the two competitors.

Fury Labels AJ a “Classless Loser”

Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King called Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme language.

But Joshua, defended his mindset: “It's my job, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I understand 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 held high, that's what's important, with all due respect.”

He added, “That's just the mentality we have to have as boxers. I don't know if other boxers think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a risky thing. Anything can happen.”

“You hope your adversary exits the ring in good health, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It was purely professional.”

Paul's Fiery Response

Jake Paul, a considerable underdog in the fight as a natural cruiserweight, was no less fiery in his retort.

“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” Paul declared. “I'm ready. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”

Joshua will face Paul, 28, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many see as a significant mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be fought over eight 3-minute rounds using standard ten-ounce gloves, with a specified maximum weight for Joshua.

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

Despite the graphic language used, Joshua suggested he has been “called in to save” the sport of boxing.

“They want me to stop the Jake Paul show and I understand it and that's why I have to bear boxing on my back in this fight,” he concluded.

The news conference also had more humorous exchanges, with Joshua laughing as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The face-off concluded without incident, with Paul adopting a unusual pose before the champion remained calm and playfully touched Paul's chain.

Paul & Joshua Deny Scripted Allegations

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

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

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

He has claimed on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely large.

Largest Shock in Boxing History?

Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, gathering a huge social media following.

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's calibre but insisted that his opponent would take him seriously.

“It's a wise move on his part,” he commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the largest loss of his life.”

A win for the underdog would be arguably the most shocking upset in the sport's annals.

It would certainly leave an indelible mark on Joshua's legacy, but the athlete stated it would not spell the end.

“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I'll be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the sport.”