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The British heavyweight stood by his much-discussed remarks about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Florida on midweek.

These statements were first made 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 fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked concern over the risk involved and the size difference between the two competitors.

Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King called Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory language.

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

“I'm sure many people don't grasp it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's important, respectfully.”

He continued, “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 conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a risky thing. Everything can happen.”

“You hope your adversary leaves the ring unharmed, 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 Response

Jake Paul, a massive underdog in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was no less combative in his retort.

“This is a modern day combat sport,” he said. “I'm prepared. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”

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

The professional contest will be fought over eight 3-minute rounds using regular 10oz padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.

He Says He Was “Called In to Rescue” The Sport

Despite the extreme language used, Joshua said he has been “brought in to rescue” the sport of boxing.

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

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

The final staredown passed peacefully, with Paul adopting a unusual pose before the champion remained composed and playfully touched Paul's chain.

Both Fighters Dismiss Scripted Allegations

The surreal aspect of this fight has led to rumors about its authenticity, including claims that he may be restricted from scoring a knockout.

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

The former champion, wearing a valuable chain, jokingly added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the payment.”

He has stated on social media that the fight earnings will be exceptionally high.

Biggest Shock in Boxing History?

Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, gathering a huge social media following.

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's pedigree but insisted that his opponent would take him seriously.

“It's a wise move on his part,” he commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the biggest defeat of his life.”

A victory for the underdog would be arguably the most shocking surprise in the sport's history.

It would undoubtedly leave an permanent stain on Joshua's legacy, but the fighter stated it would not spell the end.

“I would come back again, move on,” he remarked. “I will be headlining again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a competitor in the game.”