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The British heavyweight stood by his controversial remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Florida on midweek.

His words were initially uttered on Tuesday when the boxer was questioned if he would hold back against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

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

Fury Labels AJ a “Classless Loser”

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

But Joshua, defended his mindset: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I'm sure many people don't grasp 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 crucial, with all due respect.”

He added, “That's just the psychology we have to have as boxers. I don't know if other boxers think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a perilous thing. Everything can happen.”

“You pray your opponent leaves the ring in good health, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It was not personal.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Retort

Jake Paul, a considerable outsider in the heavyweight contest as a natural cruiserweight, was equally combative in his retort.

“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” Paul stated. “I'm prepared. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”

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

The official fight will be fought over 8 three-minute rounds using regular ten-ounce padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for the former champion.

He Says He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing

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

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

The event also had more humorous moments, with Joshua smiling as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off concluded without incident, with the underdog adopting a bizarre posture before the champion stayed composed and playfully touched his chain.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Allegations

The unusual nature of this fight has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including claims that Joshua may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

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

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

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

Largest Upset in Boxing History?

Paul first made his name as an online prankster, amassing a huge social media following.

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

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

A victory for Paul would be perhaps the most shocking upset in the boxing's history.

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

“I would come back again, move on,” he said. “I will be main eventing again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”