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The British heavyweight doubled down on his controversial comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Florida on Wednesday.

These statements 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 internet personality turned fighter has attracted debate over safety concerns and the size difference between the two competitors.

Fury Labels AJ a “Classless Loser”

Former titleholder The Gypsy King called Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his stance: “It's my job, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I understand many people don't grasp it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's paramount, respectfully.”

He continued, “That's just the mindset we have to have as warriors. I'm unsure if other boxers think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a dangerous thing. Anything can happen.”

“You pray 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 Incendiary Retort

Jake Paul, a huge underdog in the heavyweight contest as a career lighter fighter, was equally combative in his response.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” Paul stated. “I'm ready. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”

AJ will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many consider a glaring mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be fought over eight 3-minute rounds using regular ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.

He Claims He Was “Brought In to Save” The Sport

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

“They want me to stop the Jake Paul show 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 lighter exchanges, with Joshua smiling as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off concluded peacefully, with Paul striking a unusual pose before the champion remained composed and lightly touched Paul's necklace.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Pre-Arranged Allegations

The unusual aspect of this bout has led to rumors about its authenticity, including claims that he may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

“There are no clauses in the contract, AJ can attest to it. We're going to battle,” Jake Paul insisted.

The former champion, sporting a expensive chain, humorously added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the payment.”

Paul has claimed on social media that the fight earnings will be extremely large.

Biggest Upset in Boxing History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, gathering a huge online audience.

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

“It's smart on his part,” he commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the greatest loss of his life.”

A win for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest upset in the boxing's annals.

It would certainly leave an indelible stain on his legacy, but the fighter stated it would not spell the end.

“I would come back again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I'll be headlining again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”