🔗 Share this article

The British heavyweight stood by his much-discussed comments about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a press event in Miami on Wednesday.

These statements were initially uttered on Tuesday when Joshua was questioned if he would show restraint against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked debate over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two competitors.

Fury Labels Joshua a “Disgrace”

Former titleholder Tyson Fury branded Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme rhetoric.

But Joshua, explained his position: “This is my profession, 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 take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”

He stated, “That's just the psychology we have to have as boxers. I'm unsure if other boxers think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a perilous thing. Anything can happen.”

“You wish your opponent exits the ring safely, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It was not personal.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Response

Jake Paul, a considerable underdog in the heavyweight contest as a natural cruiserweight, was no less incendiary in his retort.

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

Joshua will face Paul, 28, at Miami's arena in a fight many see as a glaring 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 ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified weight limit for Joshua.

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

Despite the extreme language used, Joshua suggested he has been “called in to save” boxing.

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

The news conference also had lighter exchanges, with Joshua laughing as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The face-off concluded without incident, with the underdog striking a odd posture before Joshua stayed composed and playfully touched Paul's chain.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Pre-Arranged Allegations

The peculiar nature of this fight has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including claims that he may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

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

The former champion, sporting a expensive necklace, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the purse.”

He has stated on his platforms that the fight earnings will be extremely high.

Largest Upset in Boxing History?

Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, gathering a massive online audience.

He has not faced anyone of Joshua's skill level but maintained that his opponent would not underestimate him.

“It's a wise move on his part,” he said. “This could potentially be, and will be, the greatest loss of his career.”

A win for Paul would be perhaps the biggest surprise in the sport's history.

It would undoubtedly leave an permanent stain on Joshua's legacy, but the athlete stated it would not mean retirement.

“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I will be main eventing again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”