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Anthony Joshua doubled down on his controversial remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Florida on Wednesday.

The remarks were originally stated on Tuesday when the boxer was questioned if he would show restraint against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming contest against the internet personality turned fighter has sparked concern over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two competitors.

Fury Labels AJ a “Classless Loser”

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury labeled Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory rhetoric.

But Joshua, justified his stance: “This is my profession, 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. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's paramount, respectfully.”

He stated, “That's just the mindset we have to have as warriors. I'm unsure if other boxers think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a risky thing. Anything can happen.”

“You pray your opponent leaves the ring unharmed, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It wasn't personal.”

Paul's Fiery Response

Paul, a considerable underdog in the heavyweight contest as a natural lighter fighter, was equally fiery in his response.

“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” Paul said. “I'm prepared. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”

Joshua will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Florida'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 official fight will be fought over 8 three-minute stanzas using standard 10oz padded gloves, with a specified weight limit for Joshua.

He Claims He Was “Brought In to Save” The Sport

Despite the extreme language used, Joshua suggested he has been “called in to rescue” the sport of boxing.

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

The news conference also had lighter moments, with AJ laughing as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown concluded peacefully, with the underdog adopting a unusual posture before Joshua stayed composed and playfully grabbed his necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Scripted Claims

The surreal aspect of this fight has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including claims that he may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

“There are no clauses in the contract, AJ can confirm it. We're going to war,” Jake Paul insisted.

Joshua, wearing a expensive chain, jokingly added, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the purse.”

Paul has claimed on his platforms that the fight earnings will be extremely large.

Biggest Shock in Sport's History?

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

He has never fought anyone of the former champion's skill level but insisted that his rival would take him seriously.

“It's a wise move on his part,” Paul commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the largest defeat of his career.”

A win for Paul would be arguably the most shocking surprise in the sport's history.

It would certainly leave an permanent stain on Joshua's record, but the fighter stated it would not spell the end.

“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I'll be headlining again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a player in the sport.”