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The British heavyweight doubled down on his provocative comments about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Florida on midweek.

The remarks were initially uttered on Tuesday when Joshua was questioned if he would hold back against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted debate over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

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

But Joshua, defended his mindset: “It's my job, 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 - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's paramount, respectfully.”

He added, “That's just the psychology we have to have as fighters. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Maybe they're a bit more reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a perilous thing. Anything can happen.”

“You wish your opponent 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 Fiery Response

Jake Paul, a massive underdog in the heavyweight contest as a natural cruiserweight, was no less incendiary in his response.

“This is a modern day combat sport,” Paul stated. “I'm ready. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. We should kill each other.”

Joshua will face his opponent, 28, at Florida's arena in a fight many consider a major mismatch, 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 padded gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for Joshua.

Joshua Claims He Was “Called In to Rescue” Boxing

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

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

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

The face-off concluded peacefully, with the underdog adopting a bizarre pose before Joshua stayed composed and playfully grabbed his necklace.

Both Fighters Deny Pre-Arranged Claims

The surreal aspect of this fight has led to rumors about its legitimacy, 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 war,” Paul insisted.

The former champion, wearing a expensive necklace, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the payment.”

He has claimed on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely large.

Biggest Upset in Sport's History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, gathering a massive social media following.

He has not faced anyone of the former champion's pedigree but maintained that his opponent would not underestimate him.

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

A win for the underdog would be arguably the most shocking upset in the boxing's history.

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

“I'd return again, move on,” he said. “I'll be headlining again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”