🔗 Share this article

The British heavyweight repeated his controversial remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a press event in Miami on midweek.

The remarks were initially uttered on the previous day when the boxer was questioned if he would hold back against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn debate over the risk involved and the size difference between the two competitors.

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

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

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his position: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I'm sure many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, with all due respect.”

He added, “That's just the mentality we have to have as warriors. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Maybe they're a bit more reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a dangerous thing. Everything can happen.”

“You hope 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 Fiery Response

Jake Paul, a considerable outsider in the heavyweight contest as a career cruiserweight, was no less combative in his response.

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

Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Miami's arena in a bout many see as a significant mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

The professional contest will be fought over 8 3-minute rounds using regular 10oz padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for Joshua.

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

Despite the graphic terminology used, Joshua claimed he has been “called in to save” the sport of boxing.

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

The event also had more humorous moments, with AJ smiling as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off passed without incident, with the underdog adopting a bizarre pose before the champion remained composed and lightly touched his chain.

Both Fighters Deny Pre-Arranged Claims

The unusual nature of this bout has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including suggestions that Joshua may be restricted from scoring a knockout.

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

Joshua, sporting a expensive 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 Sport's History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, gathering a massive social media following.

He has not faced anyone of the former champion's calibre but maintained that his rival would take him seriously.

“It's a wise move on his part,” he commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the biggest loss of his life.”

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

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

“I would come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I will be main eventing again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a competitor in the game.”