ANTHONY JOSHUA stressed he is not out to “kill” Jake Paul – but wants to make him pay in the boxing ring.
AJ was blasted by heavyweight rival Tyson Fury and called a “classless loser” for saying that the YouTuber-turned-boxer is heading into a Miami deathmatch.
There are concerns in some quarters that two time heavyweight champ Joshua could cause the smaller and less experienced Paul, 28, some serious damage.
The Brit certainly towered over the loudmouth American at a press conference on two nights before the bout.
Paul will have most of a packed Kaseya Center and millions of his social media followers backing him to send his 36 year-old opponent to the most damaging, embarrassing defeat of his career.
But when asked about his troubling comments, AJ backed down.
He insisted prize fighters have a “license to kill” yet always wants his opponent to leave the ring with no issues.
AJ said: “It wasn’t personal. But it’s my job, we fight. We have a license to kill. I’m sure many people don’t understand it but this is what my job is.
“I just enjoy what I do. Whatever happens, happens – as long as my hand is raised, that’s what’s important, respectfully.
“That’s just what the mentality we have to have as fighters. I don’t know if other fighters think that way. Maybe they’re a bit more tame.
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua – all the info
A true Christmas miracle!
The world will stand still THIS FRIDAY as the face of British boxing, Anthony Joshua, is all set to go up against social media sensation Jake Paul.
AJ steps in on a month’s notice after Paul’s ‘David vs Goliath’ Gervonta Davis clash was axed due to Tank’s civil suit case.
And Joshua will be desperate not to suffer the same fate as legends Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, who both lost to YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul.
Particularly as a handsome figure was negotiated to get this Judgement Day deal over the line due to AJ’s DAZN contract.
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Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: All the information you need.
“The way my mind works. When you’re in the ring, it’s a dangerous thing. Anything can happen.
“You hope your opponent leaves the ring safely, but if they don’t, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job.”
Super-confident Paul reckons upsetting the former heavyweight king will rank as one of the biggest shocks in sporting history.
And despite the massive size difference, he fancies his chances.
The Yank, who gently mocked Joshua while insisting he has nothing to lose, roared: “This is a modern day gladiator sport.
“I’m ready. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it’s all said and done. Let’s kill each other.”
This weigh-in must see the Brit AJ weigh no heavier than 17st 7lb for the clash, which will be eight, three-minute rounds using 10oz gloves.
The fighters have rubbished claims the bout could be staged, with special stipulations written into the contracts.
There is around £90 million on offer for both.
And Joshua smiled: ”The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the money.”
