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The British heavyweight repeated his controversial remarks about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Florida on Wednesday.

His words were initially uttered on the previous day when Joshua was asked if he would hold back against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming contest against the internet personality turned fighter has drawn criticism over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Fury Labels AJ a “Disgrace”

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

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his stance: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I understand many people don't grasp it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's crucial, with all due respect.”

He continued, “That's just the mindset we have to have as boxers. I don't know if other boxers 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 hope your opponent leaves the ring in good health, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It was purely professional.”

Paul's Fiery Retort

Jake Paul, a considerable underdog in the heavyweight contest as a career cruiserweight, was equally fiery in his retort.

“This is a modern day combat sport,” Paul declared. “I'm prepared. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. We should kill each other.”

AJ will face his opponent, 28, at Florida's arena in a fight many regard as a major mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

The official fight will be fought over 8 three-minute stanzas using regular 10oz gloves, with a specified weight limit for the former champion.

He Claims He Was “Called In to Save” Boxing

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

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

The news conference also had lighter moments, with AJ smiling as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown passed without incident, with Paul striking a unusual pose before Joshua stayed calm and lightly grabbed Paul's chain.

Both Fighters Deny Pre-Arranged Claims

The peculiar aspect of this bout has led to rumors about its authenticity, including claims that he may be restricted from knocking Paul out.

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

Joshua, wearing a expensive necklace, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the money.”

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

Largest Shock in Boxing History?

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

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

“It's a wise move on his part,” Paul 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 annals.

It would certainly leave an permanent mark on his record, but the athlete stated it would not mean retirement.

“I would come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I will be headlining again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”