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The British heavyweight stood by his much-discussed comments about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a news conference in Florida on Wednesday.

The remarks were originally stated 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 bout against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted concern over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two competitors.

Fury Labels Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Former titleholder Tyson Fury branded Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory rhetoric.

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

“I understand many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's paramount, respectfully.”

He added, “That's just the mindset we have to have as boxers. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a dangerous thing. Everything can happen.”

“You pray your opponent exits the ring in good health, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It wasn't personal.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Response

Paul, a considerable underdog in the fight as a career cruiserweight, was equally combative in his response.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” he stated. “I'm prepared. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. We should kill each other.”

Joshua will face Paul, 28, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a fight many see as a significant mismatch, with some arguing it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

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

Joshua Claims He Was “Called In to Save” Boxing

Despite the vulgar terminology used, Joshua suggested he has been “brought in to save” boxing.

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

The news conference also had lighter moments, with AJ laughing as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The final staredown passed peacefully, with Paul striking a odd posture before Joshua remained composed and lightly touched his chain.

Paul & Joshua Deny Pre-Arranged Allegations

The peculiar nature of this bout has led to questions about its authenticity, including suggestions that Joshua may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

“There's nothing in the contract, Joshua 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 total purse will be exceptionally large.

Largest Shock in Boxing History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, gathering a huge social media following.

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's calibre but maintained that his rival would not underestimate him.

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

A victory for the underdog would be arguably the most shocking upset in the sport's history.

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on Joshua's record, but the athlete said it would not spell the end.

“I'd return again, shake it off,” he said. “I'll be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”