Joshua Reaffirms on Controversial "Kill" Remarks Aimed at Jake Paul

Anthony Joshua doubled down on his much-discussed remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Florida on midweek.

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

Saturday's bout against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted criticism over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury branded Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory language.

But Joshua, explained his position: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I understand many people don't grasp it but this is what my job is. I love what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's important, with all due respect.”

He added, “That's just the psychology we have to have as fighters. 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 ring, it's a perilous thing. Anything can happen.”

“You pray your opponent leaves 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 not personal.”

Paul's Incendiary Response

Paul, a considerable outsider in the heavyweight contest as a natural cruiserweight, was no less combative in his retort.

“This is a modern day combat sport,” Paul stated. “I'm ready. I want his hardest 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, 28, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a fight many see as a significant mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be contested over eight 3-minute rounds using standard 10oz gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.

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

Despite the extreme terminology used, the fighter suggested he has been “brought in to save” the sport of boxing.

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

The event also had lighter exchanges, with Joshua smiling as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown concluded peacefully, with the underdog adopting a bizarre pose before Joshua stayed calm and playfully grabbed Paul's necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Allegations

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

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

Joshua, sporting a valuable necklace, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the purse.”

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

Biggest Upset in Boxing History?

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

He has never fought anyone of the former champion's calibre but maintained that his opponent would not underestimate him.

“It's smart on his part,” Paul said. “This could potentially be, and will be, the greatest loss of his life.”

A victory for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest upset in the sport's history.

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

“I would come back again, move on,” he remarked. “I'll be main eventing again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a player in the sport.”