🔗 Share this article

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

His words were originally stated on the previous day when Joshua was questioned if he would hold back against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn debate over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Fury Calls AJ a “Disgrace”

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury branded Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory comments.

But Joshua, justified his mindset: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

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

He continued, “That's just the mentality 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 squared circle, it's a perilous thing. Everything can happen.”

“You pray your adversary exits the ring safely, 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 Fiery Retort

Paul, a massive underdog in the fight as a natural cruiserweight, was equally combative in his response.

“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” he stated. “I'm ready. 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 Paul, in his twenties, at Miami's arena in a fight many consider a significant mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be contested over 8 three-minute stanzas using regular 10oz gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.

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

Despite the vulgar language used, the fighter claimed he has been “called in to save” boxing.

“They want me to halt the Jake Paul phenomenon and I comprehend it and that's why I have to bear the sport on my back in this fight,” he added.

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

The face-off concluded peacefully, with the underdog adopting a bizarre posture before the champion stayed calm and lightly touched his necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims

The surreal aspect of this fight has led to questions about its legitimacy, including claims that he may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

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

The former champion, sporting a valuable necklace, jokingly added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the payment.”

He has claimed on social media that the fight earnings will be exceptionally high.

Largest Upset in Sport's History?

Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, amassing a huge online audience.

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

“It's a wise move on his part,” Paul commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the biggest loss of his career.”

A win for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest surprise in the boxing's annals.

It would undoubtedly leave an permanent mark on his legacy, but the athlete said it would not spell the end.

“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I'll be headlining again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”