Anthony Joshua Doubles Down on Inflammatory ‘Kill’ Statements Towards Jake Paul

Anthony Joshua doubled down on his much-discussed comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Miami on Wednesday.

The remarks were initially uttered on Tuesday when Joshua was asked if he would hold back against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's contest against the internet personality turned fighter has drawn concern over the risk involved and the size difference between the two athletes.

Tyson Fury Labels AJ a “Classless Loser”

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury branded Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his mindset: “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 just enjoy what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's paramount, with all due respect.”

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

“You hope your adversary 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.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Response

Jake Paul, a huge outsider in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was equally fiery in his response.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” Paul declared. “I'm ready. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”

Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a bout many consider a major mismatch, with some arguing it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be fought over 8 3-minute rounds using standard ten-ounce padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for Joshua.

He Says He Was “Called In to Save” The Sport

Despite the graphic terminology used, the fighter said he has been “called in to save” the sport of boxing.

“They want me to put an end to 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 lighter moments, with Joshua laughing as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The final staredown concluded without incident, with Paul striking a bizarre pose before Joshua remained calm and lightly touched his chain.

Both Fighters Dismiss Scripted Claims

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 are no clauses in the contract, AJ can confirm it. We're going to battle,” Paul said.

Joshua, sporting a valuable necklace, jokingly added, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the money.”

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

Biggest Shock in Boxing History?

Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, amassing a massive online audience.

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

“It's a wise move on his part,” Paul said. “This could potentially be, and will be, the greatest defeat of his life.”

A win for Paul would be perhaps the biggest upset in the sport's annals.

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

“I'd return again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I will be headlining again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”