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

These statements were first made on Tuesday when Joshua was asked if he would hold back against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted debate over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two competitors.

Fury Labels AJ a “Classless Loser”

Former titleholder Tyson Fury called Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme rhetoric.

But Joshua, justified his mindset: “It's my job, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I'm sure many people don't comprehend 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 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 reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, 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 aware you just did your job. It wasn't personal.”

Jake Paul's Fiery Response

Paul, a considerable outsider in the fight as a natural lighter fighter, was no less fiery in his response.

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

AJ will face Paul, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many see as a major mismatch, with some arguing it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

The official fight will be fought over 8 three-minute rounds using standard ten-ounce gloves, with a specified weight limit for Joshua.

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

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

“They want me to stop the Jake Paul phenomenon 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 lighter moments, with Joshua smiling as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The final staredown passed peacefully, with Paul striking a bizarre posture before Joshua remained calm and playfully grabbed his chain.

Paul & Joshua Deny Pre-Arranged Allegations

The surreal nature of this bout has led to rumors about its authenticity, including suggestions that Joshua may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

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

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

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

Largest Shock in Sport's History?

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

He has never fought anyone of the former champion's pedigree but maintained that his opponent would take him seriously.

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

A victory for Paul would be perhaps the biggest upset in the boxing's annals.

It would certainly leave an permanent mark on Joshua's record, but the athlete said it would not spell the end.

“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the sport.”