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The British heavyweight stood by his controversial comments about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Florida on midweek.

These statements were first made 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”.

The upcoming fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted debate over the risk involved and the size difference between the two competitors.

Tyson Fury Labels Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King labeled Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme language.

But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his mindset: “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 just enjoy what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's important, with all due respect.”

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

“You hope 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.”

Paul's Incendiary Retort

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

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

AJ will face his opponent, 28, at Florida's arena in a fight many consider a major mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

The official fight will be fought over 8 3-minute stanzas using standard ten-ounce padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for the former champion.

Joshua Says He Was “Brought In to Rescue” The Sport

Despite the extreme language used, Joshua claimed 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 bear the sport on my back in this bout,” he concluded.

The event also had more humorous exchanges, with AJ laughing as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off passed peacefully, with Paul adopting a bizarre posture before the champion remained composed and playfully grabbed his chain.

Paul & Joshua Deny Scripted Claims

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

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

The former champion, sporting a expensive chain, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the payment.”

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

Biggest Upset in Sport's History?

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

He has not faced anyone of Joshua's calibre but maintained that his opponent would take him seriously.

“It's a wise move on his part,” he commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the largest loss of his life.”

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

It would certainly leave an indelible mark on Joshua's record, but the athlete said it would not mean retirement.

“I'd return again, move on,” he said. “I will be headlining again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”