🔗 Share this article

The British heavyweight repeated his much-discussed comments about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Florida on midweek.

His words were first made on the previous day when Joshua was asked if he would hold back against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

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

Tyson Fury Labels AJ a “Classless Loser”

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

But the 36-year-old fighter, explained his mindset: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I understand many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's crucial, with all due respect.”

He stated, “That's just the psychology we have to have as fighters. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a perilous thing. Everything can happen.”

“You wish your opponent leaves the ring safely, 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

Jake Paul, a huge outsider in the heavyweight contest as a natural lighter fighter, was equally fiery in his response.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” he said. “I'm ready. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”

Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Florida's arena in a bout many consider a significant mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

The professional contest will be fought over eight three-minute stanzas using regular ten-ounce gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.

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

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

“They want me to put an end to the Jake Paul phenomenon and I comprehend it and that's why I have to bear boxing on my back in this fight,” he added.

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

The face-off passed without incident, with Paul striking a unusual posture before Joshua remained composed and playfully touched his chain.

Both Fighters Dismiss Scripted Allegations

The peculiar nature of this bout has led to rumors about its authenticity, including suggestions that Joshua may be restricted from scoring a knockout.

“There are no clauses in the agreement, Joshua can confirm it. We're going to war,” Paul said.

Joshua, wearing a valuable chain, humorously added, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the payment.”

He has stated on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely large.

Largest Shock in Sport's History?

Jake Paul first made his name as an online prankster, amassing a massive social media following.

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's calibre but maintained that his opponent would not underestimate him.

“It's smart on his part,” Paul commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the largest loss of his life.”

A victory for the underdog would be arguably the most shocking surprise in the boxing's history.

It would undoubtedly leave an permanent mark on Joshua's legacy, but the fighter stated it would not spell the end.

“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the sport.”