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The British heavyweight stood by his provocative comments about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Florida on midweek.

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

The upcoming bout against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted debate over the risk involved and the size difference between the two athletes.

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Disgrace”

Ex- world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King labeled Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory language.

But Joshua, explained his stance: “This is what I do, 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 take pleasure in what I do. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's important, respectfully.”

He added, “That's just the psychology we have to have as warriors. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Perhaps 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 wish your opponent exits the ring safely, 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 Response

Paul, a huge underdog in the fight as a natural cruiserweight, was equally fiery in his reply.

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” Paul stated. “I'm ready. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”

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

The official fight will be contested over 8 3-minute stanzas using regular ten-ounce gloves, with a specified weight limit for Joshua.

Joshua Claims He Was “Called In to Save” Boxing

Despite the graphic terminology used, the fighter claimed he has been “called 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 bear the sport on my back in this fight,” he concluded.

The news conference also had more humorous moments, with Joshua smiling as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown passed without incident, with the underdog adopting a unusual posture before the champion stayed calm and lightly touched his chain.

Both Fighters Dismiss Scripted Claims

The peculiar nature of this bout has led to speculation about its authenticity, including claims that Joshua may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

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

Joshua, wearing a expensive necklace, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the purse.”

He has claimed on his platforms that the fight earnings will be extremely large.

Largest Shock in Sport's History?

Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, gathering a huge online audience.

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

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

A win for Paul would be perhaps the most shocking upset in the sport's history.

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on his record, but the fighter stated it would not spell the end.

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