Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has doubled down on his controversial pre-fight comments, insisting he possesses a 'licence to kill' when he faces YouTube star Jake Paul this weekend.
Joshua's Unapologetic Stance on Fight Mentality
The two fighters are set to meet in a professionally-sanctioned contest in Miami on Friday night. Joshua's initial remarks, where he stated he could 'kill' his opponent, were condemned by his long-time rival, Tyson Fury. However, the 36-year-old Briton has not backed down.
"It's my job, we fight. We have a licence to kill," Joshua stated. "I'm sure many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do." He elaborated on the necessary mindset for elite combat sports, suggesting that while you hope for your opponent's safety, the primary objective is victory.
"Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's important, respectfully. That's just the mentality we have to have as fighters," Joshua added. "When you're in the ring, it's a dangerous thing. Anything can happen... you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It wasn't personal."
Tyson Fury's Scathing Rebuke
The comments prompted a fierce response from WBC champion Tyson Fury, who is in talks to fight Joshua in 2025. Fury labelled his fellow Briton a "classless loser" for his choice of words.
"I’ve been sent a video of Anthony Joshua talking about killing somebody in a boxing ring," Fury said. "He’s a little bit long in the tooth to be talking s***e like that. He’s 37 years old [Joshua is 36], at the end of his career fighting a YouTuber."
Fury, referencing his brother Tommy's victory over Paul, accused Joshua of trying to sell the fight with sensationalist language. He issued his own stark warning: "Here’s a fun fact, if I ever come across you, bum, I’m knocking you dead spark out... You’re a classless loser, coming off a 15-month knockout defeat to a local lad [Daniel Dubois]."
The Stage is Set for Miami Showdown
Despite the war of words, the focus now shifts to the ring at the Kaseya Center in Miami. The high-profile bout represents a significant moment for crossover boxing and will be streamed globally on Netflix, making it accessible to a vast audience.
Joshua, a two-time unified heavyweight champion, will be looking to rebound from his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois. For Jake Paul, this is by far the most credible and dangerous boxing challenge of his burgeoning career. The event underscores the continuing blurring of lines between traditional sport and entertainment-led spectacles.
