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The British heavyweight doubled down on his controversial comments about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a news conference in Florida on midweek.

These statements were originally stated on Tuesday when Joshua was asked if he would show restraint against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked debate over safety concerns and the size difference between the two athletes.

Fury Labels AJ a “Disgrace”

Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King branded Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme rhetoric.

But Joshua, justified his mindset: “It's my job, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“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 held high, that's what's paramount, with all due respect.”

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

“You wish your opponent exits the ring safely, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It wasn't personal.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Retort

Paul, a considerable underdog in the heavyweight contest as a natural lighter fighter, was equally fiery in his retort.

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

AJ will face his opponent, 28, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many consider a significant mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be contested over eight three-minute rounds using standard 10oz gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for the former champion.

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

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

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

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

The face-off concluded peacefully, with the underdog adopting a bizarre pose before Joshua stayed composed and lightly touched his chain.

Paul & Joshua Deny Pre-Arranged Claims

The unusual aspect of this bout has led to rumors about its authenticity, including claims that Joshua may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

“There's nothing in the agreement, AJ can confirm it. We're going to war,” Jake Paul insisted.

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

Paul has stated on social media that the total purse will be extremely large.

Largest Upset in Boxing History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, amassing a huge social media following.

He has never fought anyone of the former champion's skill level but maintained that his opponent would take him seriously.

“It's a wise move on his part,” Paul commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the greatest loss of his life.”

A win for the underdog would be arguably the most shocking surprise in the sport's annals.

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

“I'd 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 competitor in the sport.”