🔗 Share this article

Anthony Joshua stood by his provocative remarks about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Miami on midweek.

The remarks were originally stated on Tuesday when Joshua was asked if he would show restraint against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's fight against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted concern over safety concerns and the size difference between the two fighters.

Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury labeled Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme comments.

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

“I'm sure many people don't understand 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 paramount, respectfully.”

He continued, “That's just the mindset we have to have as fighters. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a dangerous thing. Anything can happen.”

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

Jake Paul's Incendiary Response

Paul, a huge outsider in the heavyweight contest as a natural cruiserweight, was equally combative in his reply.

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” he declared. “I'm prepared. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”

AJ will face Paul, 28, at Miami's arena in a bout many consider a significant mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

The professional contest will be contested over eight 3-minute stanzas using standard 10oz gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for the former champion.

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

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

“They want me to halt the Jake Paul phenomenon and I understand it and that's why I have to carry boxing on my back in this fight,” he added.

The event also had lighter exchanges, with AJ smiling as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The face-off passed without incident, with Paul striking a unusual pose before Joshua stayed composed and playfully grabbed Paul's chain.

Paul & Joshua Deny Pre-Arranged Claims

The surreal nature of this bout has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including suggestions that Joshua may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

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

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

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

Biggest Upset in Boxing History?

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

He has not faced anyone of the former champion's skill level but insisted that his opponent would not underestimate him.

“It's smart on his part,” Paul said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the greatest defeat of his life.”

A victory for Paul would be arguably the most shocking upset in the sport's history.

It would undoubtedly leave an permanent stain on Joshua's record, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.

“I'd come back again, move on,” he remarked. “I will be headlining again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”