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

These statements were initially uttered 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 bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked debate over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two competitors.

Fury Labels Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Ex- titleholder Tyson Fury called Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, explained his mindset: “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 just enjoy what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's paramount, with all due respect.”

He continued, “That's just the mentality 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 risky thing. Anything can happen.”

“You pray your opponent leaves 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.”

Paul's Incendiary Response

Paul, a massive outsider in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was no less fiery in his reply.

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” Paul said. “I'm ready. I want his most powerful 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 Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many consider a significant mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be fought over eight three-minute rounds using standard ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified weight limit for Joshua.

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

Despite the graphic terminology used, the fighter suggested he has been “called in to save” the sport of 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 bout,” he concluded.

The news conference also had more humorous moments, with Joshua smiling as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The face-off passed peacefully, with Paul striking a bizarre posture before Joshua stayed composed and playfully grabbed Paul's chain.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Scripted Claims

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

“There are no clauses in the contract, Joshua can attest to it. We're going to war,” Paul said.

Joshua, wearing a expensive necklace, 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 exceptionally high.

Largest Upset in Boxing History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, amassing a massive online audience.

He has not faced anyone of Joshua's pedigree but insisted that his opponent would not underestimate him.

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

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

It would certainly leave an indelible stain on his record, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.

“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I will be main eventing again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a player in the game.”