Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has made a stark declaration ahead of his high-profile bout with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, stating that fighters in the ring possess a 'licence to kill'.
Press Conference Confrontation in Miami
The two fighters came face-to-face at a final pre-fight press conference in Miami on Wednesday night, local time. The event set the stage for their showdown scheduled for Friday, 20 December 2025. Joshua's comments come in the wake of criticism from fellow heavyweight Tyson Fury, who labelled him a 'classless loser' for similar remarks made during open workouts earlier in the week.
During those public sessions, Joshua had stated, 'If I can kill you, I will kill you.' When pressed to respond to Fury's criticism, the former unified champion was unrepentant. 'That's my job. We fight. We have a licence to kill,' Joshua asserted. 'Many people don't understand it, but this is what my job is.'
A Mismatch or Monumental Upset?
Significant concerns have been voiced within the boxing community regarding the apparent gulf in class and experience between the two men. Joshua, a seasoned former champion at the pinnacle of the sport, is taking on Paul, a relative rookie who campaigns at cruiserweight. Paul's professional record stands at 12 wins and one defeat.
Despite the daunting challenge, the social media star appeared unfazed at the press conference. 'I'm ready. I want his hardest punches,' Paul declared. Earlier in the week, he stated his ambition to create the biggest upset in sporting history by defeating Joshua. Paul also shared a future wishlist of opponents, naming Tyson Fury, Terence Crawford, and Canelo Alvarez.
Paul's Defence of His Boxing Impact
Jake Paul passionately defended his role in the modern boxing landscape during the build-up. 'No one's done more for the sport of boxing in the last decade than myself,' he claimed regarding Friday's event. He added, 'I think if people really cared about boxing, they'd want me to win.'
The verbal sparring adds another layer to an already heavily discussed fight. Furthermore, it fuels the ongoing rivalry between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. Plans are reportedly being made for the long-awaited all-British showdown between the two heavyweights later next year, a fact underscored by Fury's recent social media attacks on his rival.
