🔗 Share this article

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

His words were initially uttered on Tuesday when Joshua was questioned if he would hold back against Paul, replying 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 size difference between the two fighters.

Fury Calls AJ a “Disgrace”

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury called Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory language.

But Joshua, justified his mindset: “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. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's important, respectfully.”

He continued, “That's just the mentality we have to have as fighters. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a dangerous thing. Everything can happen.”

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

Jake Paul's Incendiary Response

Jake Paul, a huge outsider in the fight as a natural lighter fighter, was equally incendiary in his retort.

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

Joshua will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many regard as a glaring mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

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

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

Despite the vulgar terminology used, the fighter claimed he has been “brought 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 bear the sport on my back in this bout,” he concluded.

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

The final staredown concluded peacefully, with the underdog striking a odd pose before the champion stayed composed and lightly touched his necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims

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

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

The former champion, sporting a valuable necklace, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the purse.”

He has stated on his platforms that the fight earnings will be extremely large.

Biggest Shock in Sport's History?

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

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

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

A win for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest upset in the boxing's history.

It would certainly leave an indelible mark on his legacy, but the fighter said it would not spell the end.

“I would come back again, move on,” 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.”