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Anthony Joshua repeated his provocative remarks about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a press event in Florida on midweek.

His words were initially uttered on the previous day when Joshua was questioned if he would show restraint against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming contest against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted criticism over the risk involved and the size difference between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Ex- titleholder Tyson Fury labeled Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme comments.

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

“I'm sure many people don't grasp it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's important, with all due respect.”

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

“You hope your adversary leaves the ring in good health, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It was not personal.”

Jake Paul's Fiery Retort

Paul, a massive underdog in the fight as a natural lighter fighter, was no less incendiary in his reply.

“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” Paul said. “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.”

AJ will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Florida's arena in a fight many see as a significant mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

The professional contest will be fought over 8 three-minute rounds using regular ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified weight limit for Joshua.

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

Despite the graphic language used, the fighter claimed he has been “called in to save” the sport of 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 bout,” he added.

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

The face-off concluded without incident, with the underdog adopting a unusual posture before Joshua remained composed and playfully grabbed his chain.

Both Fighters Dismiss Scripted Claims

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

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

Joshua, sporting a valuable necklace, humorously added, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the money.”

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

Largest Shock in Sport's History?

Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, amassing a huge social media following.

He has never fought anyone of the former champion's calibre 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 greatest defeat of his life.”

A win for the underdog would be arguably the biggest surprise in the boxing's annals.

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

“I'd return again, shake it off,” he said. “I will be headlining again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”