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The British heavyweight stood by his provocative comments about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a press event in Florida on Wednesday.

The remarks were originally stated on Tuesday when Joshua was asked if he would show restraint against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn criticism over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Ex- world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury called Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory 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'm sure many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's important, respectfully.”

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

“You pray your adversary exits the ring unharmed, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It was purely professional.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Response

Paul, a considerable underdog in the fight as a career cruiserweight, was no less incendiary in his response.

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

AJ will face Paul, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a bout many see as a glaring mismatch, with some arguing it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be contested over eight three-minute stanzas using regular 10oz gloves, with a specified maximum weight for Joshua.

He Claims He Was “Brought In to Rescue” Boxing

Despite the extreme language used, the fighter suggested he has been “called in to rescue” boxing.

“They want me to stop the Jake Paul show and I understand it and that's why I have to carry boxing on my back in this bout,” he concluded.

The news conference also had more humorous exchanges, with Joshua smiling as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown concluded without incident, with the underdog striking a bizarre pose before Joshua remained calm and lightly touched Paul's necklace.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims

The surreal aspect of this bout has led to questions about its legitimacy, including suggestions that Joshua may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

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

Joshua, sporting a valuable necklace, humorously added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the money.”

Paul has stated on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely large.

Largest Shock in Boxing History?

Jake Paul first made his name as an online prankster, amassing a massive online audience.

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

“It's smart on his part,” Paul said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the biggest loss of his life.”

A victory for Paul would be perhaps the biggest upset in the sport's history.

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

“I would come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I will be main eventing again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a player in the sport.”