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- By Joshua Tucker
- 16 Aug 2026
Anthony Joshua doubled down on his provocative remarks about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a press event in Florida on Wednesday.
These statements were initially uttered on Tuesday when Joshua was questioned if he would hold back against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
Saturday's fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn debate over the risk involved and the size difference between the two fighters.
Former titleholder Tyson Fury branded Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme rhetoric.
But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his stance: “It's my job, we fight. We have a licence to kill.
“I understand many people don't comprehend 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 important, respectfully.”
He continued, “That's just the psychology we have to have as fighters. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Maybe 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 pray your adversary leaves the ring in good health, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It wasn't personal.”
Jake Paul, a massive outsider in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was equally fiery in his response.
“This is a contemporary combat 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 his opponent, 28, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a fight many see as a glaring mismatch, with some arguing it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.
The official fight will be fought over eight three-minute rounds using standard 10oz padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for Joshua.
Despite the graphic language used, the fighter claimed he has been “brought in to save” the sport of boxing.
“They want me to stop the Jake Paul show and I understand it and that's why I have to carry the sport on my back in this fight,” he concluded.
The event also had more humorous exchanges, with Joshua smiling as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.
The final staredown concluded without incident, with the underdog striking a unusual posture before the champion stayed calm and lightly touched his necklace.
The peculiar nature of this bout has led to questions about its authenticity, including claims that Joshua may be restricted from knocking Paul out.
“There's nothing in the contract, AJ can confirm it. We're going to war,” Paul insisted.
The former champion, sporting a valuable necklace, humorously added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the purse.”
He has stated on his platforms that the fight earnings will be exceptionally high.
Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, amassing a massive online audience.
He has never fought anyone of the former champion's skill level but insisted that his rival would take him seriously.
“It's a wise move on his part,” he commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the largest defeat of his life.”
A victory for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest upset in the boxing's annals.
It would undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on Joshua's legacy, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.
“I'd come back again, move on,” he remarked. “I'll be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a player in the game.”
Lena Hoffmann is a seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories that matter, specializing in German current affairs and digital media trends.