🔗 Share this article

The British heavyweight doubled down on his provocative remarks about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a press event in Florida on Wednesday.

The remarks were first made on Tuesday when the boxer was asked if he would show restraint against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming fight against the internet personality turned fighter has drawn concern over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Former titleholder Tyson Fury called Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory comments.

But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his mindset: “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 - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's paramount, respectfully.”

He continued, “That's just the mentality we have to have as boxers. I'm unsure 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. Everything can happen.”

“You wish your opponent leaves the ring in good health, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It was purely professional.”

Paul's Fiery Retort

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

“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” Paul stated. “I'm ready. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”

Joshua will face his opponent, 28, at Miami's arena in a bout many see as a glaring mismatch, with some arguing it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

The professional contest will be fought over eight three-minute stanzas using standard ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified weight limit for the former champion.

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

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

“They want me to stop the Jake Paul show and I comprehend it and that's why I have to bear boxing on my back in this bout,” he added.

The event also had lighter exchanges, with Joshua laughing as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The face-off concluded peacefully, with Paul adopting a unusual posture before Joshua stayed calm and lightly touched his chain.

Paul & Joshua Deny Scripted Claims

The peculiar nature of this fight has led to questions about its authenticity, including suggestions that he may be restricted from knocking Paul out.

“There's nothing in the agreement, Joshua can attest to it. We're going to battle,” Paul said.

Joshua, sporting a valuable chain, jokingly added, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the payment.”

Paul has claimed on social media that the total purse will be extremely high.

Largest Upset in Sport's History?

Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, amassing a massive social media following.

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's pedigree but maintained that his opponent would take him seriously.

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

A win for the underdog would be perhaps the most shocking surprise in the sport's annals.

It would certainly leave an indelible mark on his record, but the athlete said it would not spell the end.

“I'd come back again, move on,” he remarked. “I will be main eventing again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a competitor in the game.”