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The British heavyweight stood by his much-discussed comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Florida on midweek.

The remarks were first made on Tuesday when Joshua was questioned if he would show restraint against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked concern over safety concerns and the size difference between the two competitors.

Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Former titleholder The Gypsy King called Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory language.

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his stance: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“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 held high, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”

He stated, “That's just the mindset we have to have as fighters. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Maybe they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a dangerous thing. Everything can happen.”

“You pray your opponent exits the ring safely, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It wasn't personal.”

Paul's Incendiary Retort

Paul, a considerable outsider in the heavyweight contest as a career lighter fighter, was equally incendiary in his response.

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” he stated. “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.”

AJ will face Paul, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a fight many see as a major mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

The official fight will be fought over 8 3-minute stanzas using regular 10oz padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for the former champion.

Joshua Says He Was “Brought In to Save” The Sport

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

“They want me to stop the Jake Paul phenomenon and I understand it and that's why I have to bear the sport on my back in this bout,” he added.

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

The final staredown concluded without incident, with Paul striking a odd pose before the champion stayed calm and lightly grabbed his chain.

Both Fighters Dismiss Scripted Allegations

The surreal aspect of this fight has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

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

The former champion, sporting a valuable necklace, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the payment.”

He has stated on social media that the fight earnings will be exceptionally high.

Biggest Shock in Boxing History?

Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, gathering a huge online audience.

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

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

A win for the underdog would be perhaps the most shocking surprise in the boxing's history.

It would certainly leave an permanent mark on his record, but the athlete said it would not mean retirement.

“I would return again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I will be headlining again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a competitor in the game.”