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The British heavyweight doubled down on his much-discussed comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a press event in Florida on Wednesday.

These statements were initially uttered on the previous day when the boxer was questioned if he would hold back against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's bout against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted criticism over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two competitors.

Tyson Fury Labels AJ a “Disgrace”

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury labeled Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory comments.

But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his stance: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I'm sure many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's paramount, with all due respect.”

He continued, “That's just the mentality we have to have as boxers. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a dangerous thing. Everything can happen.”

“You hope your opponent exits the ring unharmed, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It was not personal.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Response

Paul, a considerable underdog in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was no less combative in his retort.

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” he declared. “I'm ready. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”

AJ will face Paul, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a fight many consider a significant mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

The professional contest will be contested over 8 3-minute stanzas using regular 10oz padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for Joshua.

Joshua Claims He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing

Despite the vulgar language used, the fighter said he has been “called in to save” the sport of boxing.

“They want me to halt the Jake Paul show and I understand it and that's why I have to bear the sport on my back in this bout,” he concluded.

The news conference also had more humorous exchanges, with Joshua smiling as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off concluded without incident, with the underdog adopting a odd posture before the champion stayed composed and playfully grabbed Paul's necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims

The peculiar aspect of this fight has led to rumors about its legitimacy, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

“There are no clauses in the contract, AJ can confirm it. We're going to war,” Paul insisted.

The former champion, wearing a expensive chain, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the purse.”

He has stated on his platforms that the fight earnings will be extremely high.

Biggest Upset in Sport's History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, amassing a massive social media following.

He has never fought anyone of the former champion's skill level but maintained that his rival would not underestimate him.

“It's smart on his part,” Paul commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the biggest defeat of his career.”

A victory for Paul would be perhaps the most shocking surprise in the sport's annals.

It would undoubtedly leave an permanent stain on Joshua's legacy, but the fighter stated it would not spell the end.

“I would come back again, move on,” he remarked. “I will be headlining again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a player in the sport.”