Anthony Joshua Reaffirms on Controversial ‘Kill’ Remarks Towards Paul

The British heavyweight repeated his provocative remarks about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a news conference in Miami on midweek.

His words were initially uttered on Tuesday when the boxer was asked if he would show restraint against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming contest against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted criticism over the risk involved and the size difference between the two athletes.

Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”

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

But Joshua, explained his stance: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I'm sure many people don't grasp it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”

He stated, “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 conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a perilous thing. Anything can happen.”

“You pray 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 was purely professional.”

Paul's Incendiary Retort

Paul, a huge outsider in the fight as a career cruiserweight, was no less fiery in his response.

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

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

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

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

Despite the vulgar language used, the fighter suggested he has been “called in to rescue” boxing.

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

The event also had lighter exchanges, with AJ laughing as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off passed without incident, with the underdog striking a bizarre posture before Joshua remained composed and playfully grabbed his chain.

Both Fighters Deny Scripted Allegations

The unusual aspect of this fight has led to rumors about its authenticity, including claims that he may be restricted from scoring a knockout.

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

The former champion, sporting a expensive chain, jokingly added, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the payment.”

He has claimed on social media that the fight earnings will be extremely large.

Largest Upset in Boxing History?

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

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's skill level but maintained that his opponent would take him seriously.

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

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

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on his legacy, but the athlete stated it would not spell the end.

“I'd return again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I'll be headlining again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a competitor in the game.”