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The British heavyweight doubled down on his provocative comments about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a press event in Florida on midweek.

These statements were first made on the previous day when Joshua was asked if he would show restraint against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's fight against the internet personality turned fighter has drawn debate over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Disgrace”

Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King labeled Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory language.

But Joshua, justified his mindset: “This is my profession, 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 love what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's important, with all due respect.”

He continued, “That's just the mentality we have to have as warriors. 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 safely, 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 Response

Jake Paul, a massive underdog in the fight as a natural lighter fighter, was no less incendiary in his response.

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” he declared. “I'm prepared. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”

AJ will face his opponent, 28, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a fight many see as a significant mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be fought over 8 3-minute rounds using standard 10oz padded gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for Joshua.

Joshua Claims He Was “Brought In to Rescue” The Sport

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

“They want me to stop the Jake Paul show and I comprehend it and that's why I have to carry boxing on my back in this fight,” he added.

The event also had lighter moments, with Joshua smiling as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off concluded without incident, with Paul adopting a odd posture before Joshua remained composed and playfully grabbed his necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims

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's nothing in the agreement, AJ can attest to it. We're going to battle,” Paul said.

The former champion, wearing a expensive necklace, jokingly added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the money.”

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

Biggest Shock in Boxing History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, gathering a huge online audience.

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

“It's smart on his part,” he commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the biggest loss of his life.”

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

It would certainly leave an permanent mark on Joshua's legacy, but the athlete stated it would not mean retirement.

“I'd return again, move on,” he remarked. “I will be main eventing again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a player in the sport.”