Anthony Joshua repeated his controversial comments about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Miami on midweek.
His words were first made on the previous day when Joshua was asked if he would hold back against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
Saturday's fight against the internet personality turned fighter has drawn concern over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two athletes.
Tyson Fury Labels AJ a “Classless Loser”
Ex- world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury branded Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme language.
But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his stance: “This is my profession, 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 love what I do. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, with all due respect.”
He added, “That's just the psychology we have to have as fighters. I'm unsure if other boxers think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a dangerous thing. Anything can happen.”
“You pray your opponent leaves the ring unharmed, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It was purely professional.”
Paul's Fiery Retort
Paul, a considerable underdog in the fight as a natural cruiserweight, was equally incendiary in his response.
“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” Paul stated. “I'm prepared. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”
Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a fight many regard as a significant mismatch, with some arguing it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.
The professional contest will be contested over eight 3-minute rounds using regular ten-ounce padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for the former champion.
Joshua Says He Was “Called In to Rescue” The Sport
Despite the vulgar language used, Joshua claimed he has been “brought in to save” the sport of boxing.
“They want me to stop the Jake Paul show 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 more humorous moments, with AJ smiling as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.
The final staredown concluded without incident, with Paul adopting a odd pose before the champion remained calm and lightly grabbed his necklace.
Paul & Joshua Deny Scripted Claims
The peculiar aspect of this bout has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including claims that Joshua may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.
“There's nothing in the agreement, Joshua can attest to it. We're going to war,” Jake Paul insisted.
The former champion, wearing a expensive necklace, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the purse.”
Paul has stated on social media that the total purse will be extremely high.
Biggest Shock in Sport's History?
Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, gathering a massive social media following.
He has never fought anyone of Joshua's pedigree but insisted that his rival would take him seriously.
“It's smart on his part,” Paul commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the largest loss of his career.”
A win for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest surprise in the sport's history.
It would certainly leave an permanent stain on his record, but the athlete said it would not mean retirement.
“I'd return again, move on,” he said. “I'll be headlining again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the sport.”
