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The British heavyweight stood by his much-discussed remarks about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Florida on Wednesday.

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

The upcoming contest against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted concern over safety concerns and the size difference between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury branded Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme comments.

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his mindset: “This is what I do, 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 just enjoy what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's important, with all due respect.”

He added, “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 squared circle, it's a dangerous thing. Everything can happen.”

“You pray your opponent exits 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.”

Paul's Incendiary Retort

Jake Paul, a massive underdog in the heavyweight contest as a career lighter fighter, was no less incendiary in his response.

“This is a modern day combat sport,” Paul said. “I'm ready. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”

Joshua will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many see as a glaring mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

The professional contest will be contested over eight three-minute rounds using standard ten-ounce gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for Joshua.

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

Despite the vulgar language used, the fighter said he has been “called in to save” the sport of boxing.

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

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

The face-off concluded peacefully, with the underdog striking a odd posture before Joshua stayed calm and lightly touched his chain.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims

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

“There are no clauses in the agreement, AJ can confirm it. We're going to war,” Paul insisted.

Joshua, sporting a valuable necklace, humorously added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the money.”

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

Biggest Shock in Boxing History?

Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, amassing a massive social media following.

He has not faced anyone of Joshua's skill level but maintained that his rival would take him seriously.

“It's a wise move on his part,” Paul commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the greatest loss of his career.”

A win for Paul would be arguably the biggest surprise in the sport's history.

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

“I would return 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.”