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The British heavyweight doubled down on his much-discussed remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Florida on midweek.

These statements were initially uttered on the previous day when the boxer was questioned if he would hold back against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming contest against the internet personality turned fighter has sparked debate over the risk involved and the size difference between the two competitors.

Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

Ex- titleholder Tyson Fury called Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme comments.

But Joshua, justified his stance: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I understand many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, with all due respect.”

He added, “That's just the mindset we have to have as warriors. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a risky thing. Anything can happen.”

“You wish your opponent exits the ring in good health, 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 Fiery Retort

Paul, a massive outsider in the fight as a natural cruiserweight, was no less incendiary in his reply.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” Paul 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, 28, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a bout many consider a glaring mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

The official fight will be fought over eight 3-minute stanzas using standard ten-ounce gloves, with a specified weight limit for the former champion.

Joshua Claims He Was “Called In to Rescue” Boxing

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

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

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

The final staredown passed peacefully, with Paul adopting a odd posture before Joshua stayed calm and lightly grabbed his chain.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Scripted Allegations

The peculiar nature of this fight has led to questions about its authenticity, including suggestions that Joshua may be restricted from knocking Paul out.

“There's nothing in the agreement, AJ can attest to it. We're going to battle,” Jake Paul said.

Joshua, wearing a valuable necklace, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the payment.”

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

Largest Upset in Sport's History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, gathering a huge social media following.

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

“It's smart 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 upset in the boxing's annals.

It would certainly leave an permanent stain on Joshua's record, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.

“I would return again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I will be main eventing again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a player in the game.”