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Anthony Joshua doubled down on his much-discussed remarks about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a press event in Florida on Wednesday.

These statements were initially uttered on the previous day when the boxer was asked if he would hold back against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's fight against the internet personality turned fighter has sparked concern over safety concerns and the size difference between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Disgrace”

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

But Joshua, justified his position: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I understand many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I love what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's paramount, respectfully.”

He continued, “That's just the mentality we have to have as warriors. I'm unsure if other boxers 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. Anything can happen.”

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

Paul's Fiery Response

Paul, a huge outsider in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was equally incendiary in his reply.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” Paul declared. “I'm prepared. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”

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

The professional contest will be fought over 8 three-minute stanzas using standard 10oz gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.

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

Despite the extreme language used, the fighter suggested he has been “brought in to rescue” the sport of boxing.

“They want me to put an end to the Jake Paul show and I comprehend it and that's why I have to bear the sport on my back in this bout,” he concluded.

The news conference also had more humorous moments, with Joshua smiling as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off concluded without incident, with Paul striking a odd pose before Joshua remained composed and playfully touched his necklace.

Paul & Joshua Deny Pre-Arranged Claims

The peculiar aspect of this bout has led to rumors about its authenticity, including suggestions that Joshua may be restricted from knocking Paul out.

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

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

He has claimed on his platforms that the total purse will be exceptionally high.

Biggest Shock in Boxing History?

Paul first made his name as an online prankster, amassing a huge 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 commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the biggest defeat of his career.”

A victory for Paul would be perhaps the most shocking surprise 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 remarked. “I will be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the sport.”