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The British heavyweight repeated his much-discussed comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Florida on midweek.

These statements were originally stated on the previous day when Joshua was asked if he would hold back against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted concern over safety concerns and the size difference between the two athletes.

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Disgrace”

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

But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his mindset: “It's my job, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I understand many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's paramount, respectfully.”

He added, “That's just the mentality we have to have as boxers. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Maybe they're a bit more reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a perilous thing. Everything can happen.”

“You pray your opponent exits the ring safely, 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

Jake Paul, a huge outsider in the heavyweight contest as a natural lighter fighter, was equally fiery in his retort.

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” Paul said. “I'm prepared. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”

Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Miami's arena in a bout many regard as a major mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

The official fight will be contested over eight 3-minute rounds using standard 10oz gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for Joshua.

Joshua Says He Was “Brought In to Rescue” The Sport

Despite the extreme language used, Joshua suggested he has been “called in to save” boxing.

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

The event also had more humorous exchanges, with AJ laughing as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The face-off concluded peacefully, with Paul adopting a unusual posture before Joshua stayed calm and lightly touched his necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims

The unusual nature of this fight has led to speculation about its authenticity, including claims that Joshua may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

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

The former champion, sporting a valuable chain, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the payment.”

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

Biggest Shock in Sport's History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, gathering a massive online audience.

He has not faced anyone of the former champion's calibre but insisted that his rival would take him seriously.

“It's smart on his part,” Paul commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the greatest defeat of his life.”

A victory for the underdog would be arguably the biggest upset in the boxing's history.

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on his legacy, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.

“I would come back again, move on,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the sport.”