"If I can kill you, I will kill you" - Anthony Joshua's chilling warning to Jake Paul

Anthony Joshua insists he won’t be playing games when he takes on Jake Paul.

Like in previous Paul contests, there are concerns about the legitimacy of Friday’s bout at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, and there are rumours that Joshua may ‘carry’ his man.

However, ‘AJ’ was quick to dismiss those fears and he ensures he means serious business.

“Zero part of me [is going to take it easy on him], and it's not even that it's Jake Paul,” Joshua told Boxing Scene.

“Do you know I was actually looking at myself today, I'm a very respectful guy, brought up by a good family, but if I can kill you, I will kill you.

“That's just how I am, and this is just the job I do. So, let's go.”

Joshua understands there will still be some doubters about how real the fight is but as long as they are talking, then he is happy.

He added: “That's the whole point of this fight. It creates conversation, barbershop conversations, taxi conversations, aeroplane conversations and that's what we want.

“The more people talking about the fight, regardless of what it is that they're talking about, it is a massive bonus.

“So, for me I'm not too sure about, I'm not worried about what people think about the integrity side. I'm more worried about whether they are talking, and as long as they are I think we're doing a good job. They're definitely talking.”

Eva Marie Uzcategui / Getty Images for Netflix

Joshua went on to explain his reasoning for taking on Paul instead of facing a ranking heavyweight contender.

“Boxing is not such a fun sport if I'm honest, but it was just a great opportunity to get back in the ring and get back to big time business,” he admitted.

“People are talking about this fight and that's the whole point of boxing is to make big noise, be in big fights and that's exactly what this opportunity brings.

“It wasn't so much just for the aspect of let's get back, let's have a bit of fun, let's make some noise, let's get back at the front of the queue, at the front of the race, and show people why we are the leading fighter in the world.”

It has been reported that Joshua could fight again in February before finally facing long-time domestic rival Tyson Fury later in 2026 and he is excited about that prospect.

“Of course, there's hope, especially when you're talking about doing big time boxing,” explained Joshua.

“And Jake's showcasing it can be done, and I'm showcasing it can be done. I’ve been in mega fights time and time again, this ain't our first rodeo, we're back again, big time boxing. I just feel like it takes two to tango and I'm on the dance floor. I'm just looking for a dance partner.”

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