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The British heavyweight repeated his provocative remarks about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Florida on midweek.

The remarks were initially uttered on the previous day when Joshua was questioned if he would show restraint against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's fight against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted concern over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two competitors.

Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Ex- world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King branded Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme comments.

But the 36-year-old fighter, explained his stance: “It's my job, 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 love what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”

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

“You pray your adversary exits the ring in good health, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It wasn't personal.”

Paul's Incendiary Retort

Paul, a massive outsider in the fight as a career cruiserweight, was equally incendiary in his retort.

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” he stated. “I'm ready. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. We should kill each other.”

Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Florida's arena in a bout many regard as a glaring mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

The professional contest will be fought over 8 3-minute stanzas using standard ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for Joshua.

He Says He Was “Brought In to Save” The Sport

Despite the graphic language used, Joshua suggested he has been “brought in to rescue” boxing.

“They want me to halt the Jake Paul show and I comprehend it and that's why I have to carry boxing on my back in this fight,” he concluded.

The event also had lighter moments, with AJ laughing as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off concluded peacefully, with the underdog striking a unusual pose before the champion stayed calm and playfully grabbed his necklace.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Scripted Allegations

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

“There's nothing in the contract, Joshua can attest to it. We're going to war,” Paul insisted.

The former champion, sporting a valuable necklace, jokingly added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the payment.”

He has claimed on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely high.

Largest Upset in Boxing History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, gathering a huge online audience.

He has not faced anyone of the former champion's pedigree but maintained that his opponent would not underestimate him.

“It's a wise move on his part,” he said. “This could potentially be, and will be, the greatest loss of his career.”

A victory for the underdog would be perhaps the most shocking surprise in the boxing's history.

It would undoubtedly leave an permanent stain on Joshua's record, but the athlete stated it would not mean retirement.

“I'd come back again, move on,” he said. “I will be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the sport.”