Joshua Reaffirms on Controversial "Kill" Comments Directed at Jake Paul

The British heavyweight repeated his much-discussed comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Florida on midweek.

These statements were first made on Tuesday when the boxer was questioned if he would hold back against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

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

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

Ex- world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King labeled Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his stance: “It's my job, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

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

He stated, “That's just the psychology we have to have as warriors. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Maybe 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 hope 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.”

Paul's Incendiary Response

Jake Paul, a considerable outsider in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was no less fiery in his reply.

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

AJ will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Miami's arena in a bout many regard as a glaring mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be fought over 8 3-minute rounds using standard ten-ounce gloves, with a specified weight limit for the former champion.

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

Despite the graphic terminology used, Joshua said he has been “brought in to rescue” boxing.

“They want me to stop the Jake Paul phenomenon and I comprehend it and that's why I have to carry the sport on my back in this bout,” he concluded.

The event also had lighter exchanges, with AJ laughing as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The final staredown passed peacefully, with Paul adopting a bizarre posture before the champion remained composed and lightly touched his necklace.

Paul & Joshua Deny Scripted Allegations

The surreal aspect of this fight has led to questions about its authenticity, including suggestions that Joshua may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

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

The former champion, wearing a expensive necklace, humorously added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the purse.”

Paul has stated on his platforms that the total purse will be exceptionally large.

Biggest Upset in Boxing History?

Paul first made his name as an online prankster, gathering a massive social media following.

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

“It's smart on his part,” he said. “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 sport's history.

It would certainly leave an indelible mark on his record, but the athlete said it would not mean retirement.

“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a player in the game.”