Joshua Doubles Down on Provocative ‘Kill’ Remarks Aimed at Jake Paul

Anthony Joshua doubled down on his much-discussed remarks about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a press event in Florida on Wednesday.

His words were originally stated on the previous day when the boxer was asked if he would hold back against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's contest against the internet personality turned fighter has drawn debate over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Fury Calls Joshua a “Disgrace”

Former titleholder Tyson Fury branded Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme comments.

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his stance: “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 love what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's crucial, with all due respect.”

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

“You wish your opponent exits the ring in good health, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It was purely professional.”

Paul's Incendiary Retort

Jake Paul, a considerable underdog in the heavyweight contest as a career lighter fighter, was no less combative in his reply.

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

AJ will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a fight many see as a glaring mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be contested over 8 three-minute stanzas using regular ten-ounce padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for Joshua.

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

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

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

The event also had more humorous moments, with AJ laughing as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The face-off passed without incident, with the underdog adopting a unusual pose before Joshua stayed composed and playfully grabbed his necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims

The peculiar nature of this bout has led to questions about its legitimacy, including suggestions that he may be restricted from scoring a knockout.

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

The former champion, sporting a expensive necklace, jokingly added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the payment.”

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

Biggest Upset in Boxing History?

Paul first made his name as an online prankster, gathering a huge social media following.

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

“It's a wise move on his part,” he said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the largest defeat of his career.”

A victory for Paul would be arguably the most shocking surprise in the sport's annals.

It would certainly leave an permanent stain on his record, but the athlete said it would not spell the end.

“I'd come back again, move on,” he said. “I'll be headlining again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a player in the game.”