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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 midweek.

These statements were originally stated on the previous day when the boxer was asked if he would hold back against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's fight against the internet personality turned fighter has drawn debate over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Tyson Fury Labels AJ a “Disgrace”

Ex- world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury called Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory language.

But the 36-year-old fighter, explained his position: “It's my job, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I understand many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I love what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's paramount, respectfully.”

He continued, “That's just the psychology we have to have as fighters. 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. Anything can happen.”

“You wish your adversary exits the ring unharmed, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It was not personal.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Retort

Jake Paul, a huge underdog in the heavyweight contest as a career lighter fighter, was no less combative in his reply.

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

AJ will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a fight many consider a glaring mismatch, with some arguing it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

The official fight will be contested over 8 three-minute rounds using standard ten-ounce gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for the former champion.

Joshua Says He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing

Despite the graphic terminology used, Joshua claimed he has been “brought in to save” 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 fight,” he added.

The news conference also had more humorous exchanges, with AJ laughing as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off concluded without incident, with the underdog striking a bizarre posture before Joshua remained calm and lightly grabbed his chain.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims

The surreal aspect of this fight has led to rumors about its authenticity, including suggestions 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 said.

The former champion, sporting a valuable chain, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the purse.”

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

Biggest Upset in Sport's History?

Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, amassing a huge social media following.

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

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

A victory for Paul would be perhaps the biggest surprise in the boxing's history.

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on Joshua's legacy, but the athlete said it would not mean retirement.

“I'd come back again, move on,” he remarked. “I'll be headlining again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”