Anthony Joshua Doubles Down on Inflammatory "Kill" Comments Towards Paul

Anthony Joshua repeated his controversial comments about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a news conference in Florida on midweek.

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

Saturday's fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted concern over safety concerns and the size difference between the two athletes.

Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King labeled Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme comments.

But Joshua, defended his position: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I understand 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 raised, that's what's important, 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 tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a risky thing. Everything can happen.”

“You wish your adversary exits the ring in good health, 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 massive outsider in the heavyweight contest as a career cruiserweight, was no less fiery in his reply.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” he declared. “I'm prepared. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”

Joshua will face his opponent, 28, at Florida's arena in a bout many see as a major mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

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

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

Despite the extreme language used, Joshua claimed he has been “brought in to save” the sport of boxing.

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

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

The final staredown concluded peacefully, with the underdog adopting a unusual pose before the champion stayed calm and playfully grabbed his necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims

The peculiar aspect of this fight has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including suggestions that he may be restricted from knocking Paul out.

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

The former champion, sporting a expensive necklace, humorously added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the purse.”

Paul has claimed on his platforms that the total purse will be exceptionally large.

Biggest Upset in Boxing History?

Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, amassing a huge social media following.

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

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

A victory for Paul would be perhaps the biggest surprise in the boxing's history.

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

“I would return again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I'll be main eventing again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a player in the sport.”