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Anthony Joshua stood by his much-discussed comments about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Florida on Wednesday.

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

The upcoming bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked concern over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

Ex- world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury branded Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme rhetoric.

But Joshua, defended his position: “It's my job, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I understand many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's important, respectfully.”

He stated, “That's just the mentality we have to have as fighters. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a perilous thing. Anything can happen.”

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

Paul's Incendiary Retort

Jake Paul, a huge outsider in the heavyweight contest as a career lighter fighter, was equally fiery in his reply.

“This is a modern day combat sport,” Paul stated. “I'm prepared. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”

Joshua will face Paul, 28, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a fight many regard as a significant mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

The official fight will be contested over eight 3-minute stanzas using regular 10oz gloves, with a specified weight limit for Joshua.

He Says He Was “Called In to Rescue” Boxing

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

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

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

The face-off concluded peacefully, with Paul adopting a unusual posture before the champion remained composed and playfully touched his necklace.

Both Fighters Deny Pre-Arranged Allegations

The surreal aspect of this bout has led to rumors about its legitimacy, including claims that Joshua may be restricted from scoring a knockout.

“There's nothing in the agreement, Joshua can confirm it. We're going to war,” Jake Paul said.

Joshua, sporting a expensive chain, jokingly added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the payment.”

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

Largest Upset in Sport's History?

Jake Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, amassing a huge social media following.

He has not faced anyone of the former champion's skill level but insisted that his opponent would not underestimate him.

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

A victory for the underdog would be arguably the biggest surprise in the sport's history.

It would certainly leave an permanent mark on Joshua's legacy, but the fighter said it would not spell the end.

“I would come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I will be headlining again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”