Anthony Joshua repeated his controversial remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Miami on Wednesday.
The remarks were initially uttered 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”.
The upcoming contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn debate over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two fighters.
Former world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King labeled Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme comments.
But Joshua, explained his position: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a licence to kill.
“I'm sure many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, with all due respect.”
He stated, “That's just the mentality we have to have as warriors. 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. Anything can happen.”
“You wish your adversary 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, a huge underdog in the fight as a natural cruiserweight, was equally incendiary in his retort.
“This is a modern day combat sport,” Paul said. “I'm prepared. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. We should kill each other.”
Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many see as a significant mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.
The official fight will be contested over 8 3-minute rounds using standard ten-ounce padded gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for Joshua.
Despite the vulgar language used, Joshua said he has been “called in to rescue” the sport of boxing.
“They want me to halt the Jake Paul phenomenon and I understand it and that's why I have to bear boxing on my back in this bout,” he added.
The news conference also had lighter moments, with Joshua smiling as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.
The final staredown passed without incident, with the underdog striking a unusual posture before the champion remained composed and playfully touched his necklace.
The unusual aspect of this fight has led to questions about its legitimacy, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.
“There's nothing in the agreement, AJ can confirm it. We're going to battle,” Jake Paul said.
Joshua, wearing a valuable chain, jokingly added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the purse.”
He has claimed on social media that the fight earnings will be exceptionally high.
Jake Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, amassing a huge social media following.
He has not faced anyone of Joshua's pedigree but insisted that his opponent would take him seriously.
“It's smart on his part,” he commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the largest defeat of his life.”
A victory for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest upset in the sport's history.
It would certainly leave an permanent stain on his record, but the fighter stated it would not spell the end.
“I'd come back again, shake it off,” 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.”
A seasoned gaming enthusiast with over a decade of experience in lottery analysis and casino reviews.
