Anthony Joshua Reaffirms on Provocative ‘Kill’ Comments Towards Jake Paul

The British heavyweight repeated his much-discussed comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Miami on midweek.

These statements were first made on the previous day when Joshua was asked if he would show restraint against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's contest against the internet personality turned fighter has sparked criticism over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

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

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his mindset: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I understand many people don't understand 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 crucial, with all due respect.”

He continued, “That's just the psychology we have to have as fighters. 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 dangerous thing. Anything can happen.”

“You wish your opponent exits the ring in good health, 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 Response

Jake Paul, a massive outsider in the fight as a natural cruiserweight, was equally fiery in his response.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” Paul said. “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.”

Joshua will face his opponent, 28, at Florida's arena in a bout many see as a glaring mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be fought over 8 three-minute stanzas using regular ten-ounce gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for Joshua.

He Claims He Was “Brought In to Rescue” Boxing

Despite the graphic terminology used, the fighter said he has been “called in to save” boxing.

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

The event also had more humorous moments, with AJ laughing as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown passed without incident, with the underdog striking a bizarre posture before Joshua stayed calm and lightly grabbed his necklace.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Scripted Allegations

The unusual nature of this bout has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

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

The former champion, sporting a valuable necklace, jokingly added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the money.”

He has stated on social media that the fight earnings will be extremely high.

Biggest Shock in Boxing History?

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

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

“It's smart on his part,” he commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the greatest loss of his career.”

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

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on his legacy, but the fighter stated it would not spell the end.

“I would return again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I'll be main eventing again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”