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The British heavyweight repeated his provocative remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Florida on Wednesday.

These statements were first made on the previous day when the boxer was asked if he would show restraint against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted concern over the risk involved and the size difference between the two athletes.

Tyson Fury Labels Joshua a “Disgrace”

Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King labeled Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his stance: “It's my job, 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 raised, that's what's important, respectfully.”

He stated, “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 conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a risky thing. Everything can happen.”

“You pray your opponent exits the ring safely, 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 Response

Paul, a considerable outsider in the fight as a career cruiserweight, was equally combative in his reply.

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” Paul stated. “I'm ready. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”

AJ will face Paul, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a fight many regard as a major mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be contested over eight 3-minute stanzas using standard ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified weight limit for the former champion.

He Claims He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing

Despite the graphic terminology used, Joshua said he has been “brought in to rescue” the sport of boxing.

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

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

The face-off passed peacefully, with Paul adopting a bizarre posture before the champion stayed composed and playfully grabbed Paul's necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims

The peculiar nature of this fight has led to questions about its legitimacy, including suggestions that Joshua may be restricted from scoring a knockout.

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

The former champion, wearing a expensive necklace, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the purse.”

Paul has claimed on social media that the total purse will be exceptionally large.

Biggest Upset in Boxing History?

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

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's pedigree but maintained that his rival would take him seriously.

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

A victory for the underdog would be perhaps the most shocking upset in the boxing's history.

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on Joshua's legacy, but the athlete stated it would not mean retirement.

“I would return again, move on,” he remarked. “I will be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a player in the sport.”