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The British heavyweight repeated his controversial remarks about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a press event in Florida on midweek.

These statements were originally stated on the previous day when Joshua was questioned if he would show restraint against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked concern over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two competitors.

Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Ex- titleholder Tyson Fury branded Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme rhetoric.

But Joshua, defended his stance: “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 take pleasure in what I do. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's paramount, with all due respect.”

He continued, “That's just the mentality we have to have as boxers. I'm unsure 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 perilous thing. Anything can happen.”

“You hope your opponent leaves 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 huge outsider in the heavyweight contest as a natural lighter fighter, was equally fiery in his reply.

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

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

The official fight will be fought over eight 3-minute rounds using regular ten-ounce padded gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for Joshua.

Joshua Says He Was “Called In to Save” Boxing

Despite the extreme terminology used, the fighter said he has been “called in to save” the sport of boxing.

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

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

The face-off passed without incident, with Paul adopting a unusual pose before the champion stayed composed and playfully touched Paul's necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims

The surreal nature of this fight has led to rumors about its authenticity, including claims that he may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

“There's nothing in the agreement, AJ can attest to it. We're going to battle,” Jake Paul insisted.

Joshua, wearing a valuable chain, jokingly added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the payment.”

He has stated on social media that the total purse will be extremely large.

Largest Upset in Sport's History?

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

He has not faced anyone of Joshua's pedigree but insisted that his rival would not underestimate him.

“It's a wise move on his part,” he said. “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 boxing's annals.

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

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