🔗 Share this article

The British heavyweight doubled down on his provocative comments about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Florida on Wednesday.

These statements were initially uttered on Tuesday when Joshua was asked if he would show restraint against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's fight against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted debate over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two competitors.

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Disgrace”

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

But the 36-year-old fighter, justified 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 just enjoy what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's important, with all due respect.”

He continued, “That's just the mindset we have to have as warriors. I'm unsure if other boxers think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a risky thing. Anything can happen.”

“You pray your opponent exits the ring unharmed, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It wasn't personal.”

Paul's Incendiary Response

Paul, a considerable outsider in the heavyweight contest as a natural lighter fighter, was equally incendiary in his retort.

“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” Paul said. “I'm prepared. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”

Joshua will face Paul, 28, at Florida's arena in a fight many consider a significant 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 standard 10oz gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for the former champion.

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

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

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

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

The face-off concluded without incident, with the underdog adopting a unusual posture before Joshua remained calm and lightly touched his necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims

The peculiar 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 agreement, Joshua can attest to it. We're going to war,” Jake Paul said.

Joshua, wearing a valuable necklace, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the payment.”

Paul has stated on his platforms that the fight earnings will be exceptionally large.

Largest Shock in Sport's History?

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

He has never fought anyone of the former champion's pedigree but insisted that his rival would take him seriously.

“It's a wise move on his part,” Paul commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the biggest defeat of his life.”

A victory for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest surprise in the sport's history.

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on his record, but the fighter stated it would not mean retirement.

“I'd return again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I'll be main eventing again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the sport.”