Anthony Joshua has doubled down on his warning that Jake Paul is risking his life in their heavyweight clash, insisting he holds a “licence to kill” inside the ring. The former world champion faces the YouTuber in Miami on Friday night in a professionally sanctioned contest, having drawn criticism from Tyson Fury for his earlier comments.
Speaking last night, Joshua refused to soften his stance. “It's my job, we fight. We have a licence to kill,” he said. “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.”
Joshua, who has previously said he could “kill” Paul, explained the mentality required of fighters. “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. It wasn't personal.”
Fury, who is in talks to fight Joshua next year, condemned the remarks. “He’s a little bit long in the tooth to be talking s***e like that,” said Fury, adding that Joshua is “at the end of his career fighting a YouTuber”. Fury also warned: “If I ever come across you, bum, I’m knocking you dead spark out... I can’t wait if Jake Paul knocks you spark out, you big bum.”
The fight between Joshua and Paul will be streamed live on Netflix, with the pair meeting in Miami on December 19. Sky is offering the platform through its £15 Essential TV bundle, described as the brand's “lowest ever price” for Sky TV.
