🔗 Share this article

The British heavyweight stood by his much-discussed remarks about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a news conference in Miami on midweek.

These statements were first made on the previous day when the boxer was questioned if he would show restraint against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming contest against the internet personality turned fighter has sparked concern over the risk involved and the size difference between the two fighters.

Fury Calls AJ a “Disgrace”

Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King called Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his mindset: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I understand many people don't grasp 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 crucial, respectfully.”

He stated, “That's just the mindset we have to have as boxers. I don't know if other boxers think that way. Maybe they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a risky thing. Everything can happen.”

“You hope 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 wasn't personal.”

Jake Paul's Fiery Retort

Paul, a huge underdog in the fight as a natural cruiserweight, was equally incendiary in his reply.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” he declared. “I'm prepared. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. We should kill each other.”

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

The professional contest will be fought over 8 three-minute rounds using standard 10oz gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for the former champion.

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

Despite the vulgar terminology used, Joshua said he has been “called in to rescue” the sport of boxing.

“They want me to put an end to the Jake Paul phenomenon and I understand it and that's why I have to carry boxing on my back in this bout,” he concluded.

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

The final staredown concluded peacefully, with Paul striking a bizarre pose before the champion remained calm and playfully grabbed his chain.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Scripted Allegations

The surreal nature of this bout has led to questions about its authenticity, including claims that Joshua may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

“There's nothing in the agreement, Joshua can confirm it. We're going to battle,” Paul insisted.

The former champion, wearing a expensive chain, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the purse.”

Paul has stated on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely large.

Largest Upset in Sport's History?

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

He has not faced anyone of the former champion's pedigree but insisted that his rival would not underestimate him.

“It's a wise move on his part,” he commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the largest defeat 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 mark on Joshua's record, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.

“I'd return again, move on,” he said. “I will be main eventing again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a competitor in the game.”