🔗 Share this article

The British heavyweight stood by his controversial remarks about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Florida on midweek.

His words were first made on the previous day when the boxer was questioned if he would hold back against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked criticism over safety concerns and the size difference between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Labels Joshua a “Classless Loser”

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

But the 36-year-old fighter, explained his stance: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I'm sure many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I love what I do. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's crucial, with all due respect.”

He continued, “That's just the psychology we have to have as fighters. I don't know if other boxers think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a dangerous thing. Anything can happen.”

“You hope your opponent leaves the ring unharmed, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It wasn't personal.”

Paul's Fiery Retort

Paul, a huge underdog in the heavyweight contest as a natural lighter fighter, was no less fiery in his retort.

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

Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a fight many see as a glaring mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

The professional contest will be contested over eight three-minute stanzas using standard 10oz gloves, with a specified weight limit for Joshua.

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

Despite the graphic language used, the fighter suggested he has been “brought in to rescue” the sport of boxing.

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

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

The face-off concluded without incident, with Paul adopting a unusual pose before the champion stayed calm and lightly grabbed Paul's necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Scripted Claims

The unusual nature of this fight has led to speculation about its authenticity, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

“There are no clauses in the agreement, AJ can attest to it. We're going to war,” Paul said.

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

He has claimed on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely high.

Biggest Shock in Sport's History?

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

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

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

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

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

“I'd come back again, move on,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”