Anthony Joshua repeated his much-discussed remarks about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a news conference in Florida on Wednesday.
His words were initially uttered on Tuesday when Joshua was questioned if he would hold back against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
Saturday's bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked debate over the risk involved and the size difference between the two athletes.
Tyson Fury Labels Joshua a “Classless Loser”
Ex- world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury labeled Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory language.
But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his position: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a licence to kill.
“I understand many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”
He added, “That's just the mindset 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 squared circle, it's a risky 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 not personal.”
Jake Paul's Fiery Retort
Jake Paul, a massive outsider in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was equally incendiary in his reply.
“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” Paul stated. “I'm ready. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”
Joshua will face Paul, 28, at Miami's arena in a bout many see as a significant mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.
The professional contest will be fought over eight three-minute rounds using regular ten-ounce gloves, with a specified maximum weight for Joshua.
He Says He Was “Brought In to Save” The Sport
Despite the graphic language used, Joshua claimed he has been “brought in to rescue” boxing.
“They want me to put an end to the Jake Paul show and I comprehend it and that's why I have to carry the sport on my back in this bout,” he added.
The event also had more humorous exchanges, with AJ laughing as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.
The face-off passed without incident, with Paul adopting a unusual posture before the champion stayed calm and playfully grabbed his chain.
Both Fighters Deny Pre-Arranged Allegations
The peculiar nature of this fight has led to questions about its legitimacy, including claims that he may be restricted from knocking Paul out.
“There's nothing in the agreement, AJ can attest to it. We're going to war,” Jake Paul said.
Joshua, sporting a valuable chain, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the purse.”
He has stated on his platforms that the fight earnings will be extremely high.
Biggest Shock in Sport's History?
Jake Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, amassing a massive online audience.
He has never fought anyone of Joshua's pedigree but maintained that his rival would take him seriously.
“It's smart on his part,” Paul said. “This could potentially be, and will be, the greatest defeat of his career.”
A win for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest surprise in the boxing's annals.
It would certainly leave an permanent stain on Joshua's record, but the fighter said it would not spell the end.
“I'd come back again, move on,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a player in the game.”
