Anthony Joshua doubled down on his provocative comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Florida on midweek.
These statements were first made on the previous day when Joshua was asked if he would hold back against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
The upcoming fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted criticism over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two athletes.
Ex- titleholder Tyson Fury called Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory comments.
But Joshua, justified his mindset: “It's my job, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.
“I understand many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I love what I do. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”
He added, “That's just the psychology we have to have as warriors. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a dangerous thing. Everything can happen.”
“You hope your opponent exits 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, a massive underdog in the heavyweight contest as a natural cruiserweight, was no less incendiary in his reply.
“This is a contemporary combat sport,” Paul stated. “I'm ready. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. We should kill each other.”
Joshua will face his opponent, 28, at Florida's arena in a fight many consider a major mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.
The professional contest will be fought over eight 3-minute stanzas using regular 10oz padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for Joshua.
Despite the vulgar terminology used, Joshua suggested he has been “brought in to save” the sport of boxing.
“They want me to stop the Jake Paul phenomenon and I comprehend it and that's why I have to carry boxing on my back in this fight,” he added.
The event also had more humorous exchanges, with AJ smiling as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.
The final staredown passed without incident, with the underdog striking a bizarre posture before Joshua remained calm and lightly touched Paul's chain.
The peculiar nature of this bout has led to rumors about its legitimacy, including claims that he may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.
“There's nothing in the agreement, Joshua can attest to it. We're going to war,” Paul said.
The former champion, wearing a valuable chain, jokingly added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the money.”
He has stated on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely high.
Jake Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, gathering a huge social media following.
He has never fought anyone of Joshua's calibre but insisted that his rival would not underestimate him.
“It's smart on his part,” he said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the greatest loss of his life.”
A victory for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest upset in the boxing's annals.
It would undoubtedly leave an permanent mark on Joshua's legacy, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.
“I would return again, move on,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”
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