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The British heavyweight doubled down on his provocative remarks about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a news conference in Florida on Wednesday.

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

The upcoming fight against the internet personality turned fighter has sparked concern over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Fury Labels AJ a “Disgrace”

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury labeled Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme rhetoric.

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 understand it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's important, respectfully.”

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

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

Paul's Incendiary Response

Jake Paul, a considerable underdog in the heavyweight contest as a natural lighter fighter, was equally combative in his retort.

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” Paul declared. “I'm prepared. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be no 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 bout many consider a glaring mismatch, with some arguing it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be contested over 8 3-minute rounds using standard 10oz gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for the former champion.

He Says He Was “Brought In to Rescue” The Sport

Despite the graphic language used, Joshua said he has been “brought 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 bear boxing on my back in this fight,” he concluded.

The event also had more humorous exchanges, with AJ laughing as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The final staredown concluded without incident, with the underdog adopting a odd posture before Joshua remained composed and playfully grabbed Paul's necklace.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims

The peculiar aspect of this bout has led to questions about its authenticity, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

“There are no clauses in the contract, Joshua can confirm it. We're going to battle,” Paul said.

The former champion, sporting a valuable necklace, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the payment.”

Paul has claimed on social media that the total purse will be exceptionally large.

Largest Upset in Sport's History?

Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, amassing a huge social media following.

He has not faced anyone of Joshua's skill level but maintained that his opponent would not underestimate him.

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

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

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

“I would come back again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I will be main eventing again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a player in the game.”