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The British heavyweight stood by his provocative remarks about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Florida on Wednesday.

These statements were first made on Tuesday when Joshua was asked if he would hold back against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming fight against the internet personality turned fighter has drawn criticism over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Labels AJ a “Classless Loser”

Ex- world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury called Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme language.

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his mindset: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

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

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

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

Paul's Fiery Retort

Paul, a huge underdog in the heavyweight contest as a career cruiserweight, was equally fiery in his response.

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” Paul declared. “I'm ready. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. We should kill each other.”

Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a fight many regard as a significant mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be contested over eight three-minute rounds using regular 10oz padded gloves, with a specified weight limit for Joshua.

Joshua Says He Was “Called In to Save” Boxing

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

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

The news conference also had lighter exchanges, with Joshua smiling as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off concluded peacefully, with the underdog striking a unusual pose before Joshua stayed composed and lightly grabbed his necklace.

Paul & Joshua Deny Pre-Arranged Claims

The peculiar nature of this bout has led to speculation about its authenticity, including claims that Joshua may be restricted from knocking Paul out.

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

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

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

Largest Upset in Boxing History?

Jake Paul first made his name as an online prankster, amassing a huge online audience.

He has not faced anyone of the former champion's pedigree but maintained that his opponent would not underestimate him.

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

A win for Paul would be arguably the biggest upset in the sport's history.

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

“I'd return again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I will be main eventing again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a competitor in the game.”