Anthony Joshua Reaffirms on Provocative "Kill" Remarks Aimed at Jake Paul

Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul face off
The YouTuber-turned-boxer faces a major challenge against two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

The British heavyweight doubled down on his much-discussed remarks about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a news conference in Florida on Wednesday.

The remarks were initially uttered on the previous day when Joshua was asked if he would show restraint against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted concern over safety concerns and the size difference between the two competitors.

Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

Ex- world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King branded Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory rhetoric.

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

“I'm sure many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, 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 boxers think that way. Maybe they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a risky thing. Everything can happen.”

“You pray 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 wasn't personal.”

Paul's Fiery Response

Paul, a considerable outsider in the fight as a career cruiserweight, was equally incendiary in his retort.

“This is a modern day combat sport,” Paul stated. “I'm ready. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”

AJ will face Paul, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many consider a glaring mismatch, with some arguing it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be fought over eight three-minute rounds using standard 10oz gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for the former champion.

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

Despite the vulgar language used, the fighter said he has been “called in to rescue” the sport of boxing.

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

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

The final staredown concluded peacefully, with Paul striking a bizarre pose before the champion stayed calm and playfully grabbed his necklace.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Scripted Allegations

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

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

Joshua, sporting a valuable necklace, jokingly 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 Shock in Sport's History?

Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, gathering a huge online audience.

He has not faced anyone of Joshua's pedigree but insisted that his rival would take him seriously.

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

A victory for the underdog would be perhaps the most shocking upset in the boxing's history.

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

“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I'll be headlining again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”
Sydney Trujillo
Sydney Trujillo

A renewable energy expert with over a decade of experience in solar and wind power systems, passionate about eco-friendly innovations.