Anthony Joshua has reiterated his stark view that professional boxers operate under a "licence to kill" during a fiery final press conference ahead of his clash with Jake Paul. The high-stakes bout is set for Friday in Miami and will be recorded as a full professional contest on both men's records.
Pre-Fight Tensions Reach Boiling Point
The former unified world heavyweight champion made the provocative statement when pressed on earlier remarks where he declared, "If I can kill you, I will kill you." Joshua, who boasts a record of 28 wins and 4 losses with 25 knockouts, was unapologetic. "That’s my job. We fight. We have a licence to kill. Many people don’t understand it, but this is what my job is," he stated.
His comments drew a sharp rebuke from fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury, who took to social media to label Joshua a "classless loser." The verbal sparring adds another layer to their long-anticipated potential showdown, tentatively scheduled for later next year.
David vs. Goliath in Miami
The fight presents a dramatic mismatch in experience and stature. Anthony Joshua, a seasoned veteran who has shared the ring with legends like Wladimir Klitschko and Oleksandr Usyk, faces Jake Paul, the YouTube sensation turned cruiserweight boxer. Paul's professional record stands at 12 wins and 1 defeat, with notable victories over aged icons like Mike Tyson and former UFC champions.
Despite the clear disparity, Paul remains defiantly confident. "I’m ready. I want his hardest punches," he claimed. The 27-year-old has boldly stated his aim to secure the biggest upset in sporting history and has already named a wishlist of future foes, including Fury, Terence Crawford, and Canelo Alvarez.
What's at Stake for Boxing?
Paul, a polarising figure who has attracted a new, younger audience to the sport, made a bold claim about his influence. "No one’s done more for the sport of boxing in the last decade than myself," he asserted. "I think if people really cared about boxing, they’d want me to win."
For Joshua, this fight is a critical return following a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September 2024. A defeat to the social media star would be a catastrophic blow to his career, while a victory is essential to rebuild momentum towards a potential blockbuster fight with Fury.
The bout will be broadcast globally on DAZN, which offers over 185 fight nights per year. The result will permanently mark each fighter's official professional ledger, with a knockout a very real possibility given the power of both men.
