Joshua Reaffirms on Inflammatory ‘Kill’ Statements Aimed at Jake Paul

The British heavyweight doubled down on his provocative remarks about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a news conference in Miami on midweek.

These statements were originally stated on Tuesday when Joshua was questioned if he would hold back against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn concern over safety concerns and the size difference between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Disgrace”

Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King called Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, 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. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's paramount, with all due respect.”

He stated, “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 squared circle, it's a perilous thing. Everything can happen.”

“You hope 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 Fiery Retort

Paul, a massive outsider in the fight as a natural lighter fighter, was equally fiery in his reply.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” he stated. “I'm prepared. 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 Paul, 28, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a fight many regard as a major mismatch, with some arguing it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be contested over 8 three-minute rounds using regular 10oz gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for the former champion.

He Claims He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing

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

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

The news conference also had more humorous moments, with Joshua smiling as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off concluded peacefully, with Paul striking a bizarre posture before Joshua stayed calm and lightly grabbed his chain.

Paul & Joshua Deny Pre-Arranged Allegations

The surreal aspect of this bout has led to speculation about its authenticity, including suggestions that Joshua may be restricted from knocking Paul out.

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

The former champion, sporting a expensive necklace, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the purse.”

Paul has claimed on social media that the total purse will be extremely large.

Largest Shock in Sport's History?

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

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

“It's smart on his part,” Paul commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the biggest defeat of his career.”

A victory for the underdog would be arguably the biggest upset in the boxing's history.

It would certainly leave an indelible mark on Joshua's legacy, but the athlete said it would not spell the end.

“I would return again, move on,” he said. “I will be main eventing again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a player in the sport.”