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

The remarks were originally stated on Tuesday when Joshua was asked if he would hold back against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's bout against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted concern over safety concerns and the size difference between the two competitors.

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King called Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, explained his position: “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 love 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 mentality we have to have as boxers. I'm unsure if other boxers think that way. Maybe they're a bit more reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a perilous thing. Everything can happen.”

“You pray your adversary leaves the ring safely, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It was purely professional.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Retort

Jake Paul, a massive underdog in the heavyweight contest as a natural cruiserweight, was no less combative in his reply.

“This is a modern day combat sport,” he 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 Paul, 28, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a fight many see as a glaring mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be fought over eight 3-minute rounds using standard ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for Joshua.

Joshua Claims He Was “Called In to Save” Boxing

Despite the graphic terminology used, the fighter said he has been “brought in to rescue” boxing.

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

The news conference also had lighter exchanges, with Joshua laughing as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown concluded without incident, with the underdog adopting a bizarre pose before the champion remained composed and playfully touched his chain.

Both Fighters Dismiss Scripted Claims

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

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

Joshua, wearing a expensive chain, jokingly added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the money.”

Paul has stated on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely large.

Largest Shock in Sport's History?

Paul first made his name as an online prankster, gathering a huge social media following.

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's calibre but insisted that his rival would take him seriously.

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

A victory for the underdog would be arguably the most shocking surprise in the sport's annals.

It would certainly leave an permanent stain on his legacy, but the athlete stated it would not spell the end.

“I would return again, move on,” he said. “I'll be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a player in the game.”