🔗 Share this article Joshua Doubles Down on Inflammatory "Kill" Comments Towards Paul The YouTuber-turned-boxer faces a considerable disadvantage against former heavyweight champion AJ. The British heavyweight repeated his provocative remarks about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Miami on midweek. The remarks were initially uttered on Tuesday when the boxer was questioned if he would show restraint against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”. The upcoming bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted concern over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two competitors. Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser” Ex- world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King branded Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory comments. But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his position: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence. “I understand 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 held high, that's what's paramount, respectfully.” He added, “That's just the psychology we have to have as boxers. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Maybe they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a dangerous thing. Anything can happen.” “You pray your adversary exits the ring in good health, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It was purely professional.” Paul's Incendiary Response Jake Paul, a considerable outsider in the fight as a natural lighter fighter, was equally combative in his response. “This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” he stated. “I'm ready. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.” Joshua will face Paul, 28, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a fight many consider a glaring mismatch, with some arguing it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight. The professional contest will be fought over eight 3-minute stanzas using standard ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for Joshua. Joshua Says He Was “Brought In to Rescue” The Sport Despite the graphic language used, Joshua said he has been “brought in to save” boxing. “They want me to stop the Jake Paul show and I comprehend it and that's why I have to bear the sport on my back in this bout,” he concluded. The event also had more humorous moments, with Joshua laughing as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him. The face-off passed peacefully, with the underdog striking a odd posture before Joshua remained composed and playfully touched his chain. Both Fighters Deny Pre-Arranged Claims The unusual aspect of this bout has led to questions about its legitimacy, including suggestions that Joshua may be prohibited from knocking Paul out. “There are no clauses in the contract, Joshua can attest to it. We're going to battle,” Paul insisted. The former champion, wearing a valuable necklace, jokingly added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the money.” Paul has stated on social media that the total purse will be extremely large. Largest Upset in Sport's History? Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, amassing a huge online audience. He has not faced anyone of Joshua's calibre but insisted that his opponent would not underestimate him. “It's a wise move on his part,” Paul said. “This could potentially be, and will be, the greatest loss of his career.” A win for Paul would be arguably the biggest surprise in the boxing's history. It would certainly leave an permanent stain on Joshua's legacy, but the athlete stated it would not spell the end. “I would return again, move on,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the sport.”