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The British heavyweight repeated his controversial remarks about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Florida on midweek.

The remarks were originally stated on the previous day 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 fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked criticism over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Tyson Fury Labels Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Ex- titleholder Tyson Fury called 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 understand many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I love what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's important, respectfully.”

He added, “That's just the psychology we have to have as fighters. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Maybe 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 pray your adversary 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 massive outsider in the heavyweight contest as a career lighter fighter, was equally combative in his retort.

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” he said. “I'm prepared. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”

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

The official fight will be fought over 8 3-minute rounds using standard ten-ounce gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.

He Claims He Was “Called In to Save” The Sport

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

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

The event also had lighter exchanges, with Joshua smiling as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off passed without incident, with Paul striking a odd posture before Joshua stayed composed and lightly touched Paul's chain.

Both Fighters Deny Pre-Arranged Claims

The peculiar nature of this fight has led to questions about its legitimacy, including claims that Joshua may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

“There's nothing in the contract, AJ can attest to it. We're going to war,” Paul insisted.

Joshua, wearing a expensive chain, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the payment.”

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

Largest Shock in Sport's History?

Paul first made his name as an online prankster, gathering a massive online audience.

He has not faced anyone of Joshua's skill level 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 largest defeat of his career.”

A win for Paul would be arguably the biggest upset in the sport's annals.

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

“I'd return again, move on,” he said. “I'll be headlining again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a player in the sport.”