BREAKING: Anthony Joshua Speaks On killing Jake Paul Ahead Of December 19 Fight
Anthony Joshua has defended his controversial comments about “killing” Jake Paul ahead of their upcoming fight, insisting his words were taken in a boxing context and not meant literally.
Speaking in an interview, Joshua said his remarks were about competition inside the ring, not violence outside it. He explained that boxing is a sport where physical harm is legal and accepted, as long as it happens within the rules.
“When I say killing Jake Paul, I’m not talking about anything outside the ring,” Joshua said. “I’m talking about getting in the ring and competing.”
The former heavyweight champion admitted that boxing is dangerous by nature, but stressed that there is still respect between fighters. According to him, both he and Jake Paul are helping to put boxing back in the spotlight.
Joshua also acknowledged that the build-up includes trash talk and mind games, which he described as “a bit of fun.” However, he made it clear that his desire to hurt Jake Paul comes from his competitive mindset as a fighter.
“We’re in an industry where you can physically harm someone and it’s legal,” he said. “That’s what we sign up for.”
As the fight approaches, Joshua says he is mentally ready and unfazed by criticism, focusing only on performing inside the ring.
The 36-year-old also admitted that his mindset has changed in recent years. Once deeply affected by defeat, Joshua now views losses as lessons, pointing to legends like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson, who suffered defeats but remained icons of the sport.
“I don’t live by other people’s standards,” he said. “I live by my own.”
Joshua also revealed that the pressure of constant media attention has taken its toll. At one stage, he considered avoiding interviews entirely and simply turning up to fight, but accepted that exposure is part of being one of boxing’s biggest names.
As criticism grows over what a bout with Jake Paul means for his legacy, Joshua remains unbothered. He says he is ready to embrace both the hostility and the spotlight, believing that the desire to dominate in the ring is what separates fighters from spectators.
“I want to fight,” Joshua said. “That’s what is in my heart.”
