Joshua Reiterates on Inflammatory ‘Kill’ Comments Aimed at Paul

Anthony Joshua stood by his provocative comments about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a press event in Florida on Wednesday.

His words were initially uttered 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”.

Saturday's bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted concern over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Disgrace”

Ex- world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury labeled Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory language.

But the 36-year-old fighter, explained his position: “This is my profession, 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 just enjoy what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's paramount, respectfully.”

He continued, “That's just the mentality we have to have as warriors. I don't know 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 risky thing. Anything can happen.”

“You pray 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 purely professional.”

Paul's Incendiary Retort

Paul, a huge outsider in the fight as a natural cruiserweight, was no less fiery in his retort.

“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” Paul 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.”

AJ will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a fight many consider a major mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

The official fight will be fought over 8 three-minute stanzas using regular 10oz padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for Joshua.

Joshua Says He Was “Brought In to Rescue” The Sport

Despite the extreme terminology used, the fighter said he has been “called in to rescue” 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 bout,” he added.

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

The face-off passed without incident, with Paul adopting a odd pose before Joshua stayed calm and lightly grabbed Paul's necklace.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims

The surreal aspect of this fight has led to rumors about its legitimacy, including claims that Joshua may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

“There are no clauses in the agreement, Joshua can attest to it. We're going to war,” Jake Paul said.

Joshua, sporting a expensive necklace, jokingly added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the money.”

He has claimed on his platforms that the fight earnings will be exceptionally large.

Biggest Upset in Boxing History?

Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, gathering a massive online audience.

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's skill level but insisted that his rival would not underestimate him.

“It's smart on his part,” he said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the greatest defeat of his life.”

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

It would certainly leave an indelible mark on Joshua's legacy, but the athlete said it would not mean retirement.

“I would come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I will be headlining again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a competitor in the game.”