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The British heavyweight repeated his provocative remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Florida on midweek.

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

Saturday's fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted criticism over safety concerns and the size difference between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Labels Joshua a “Disgrace”

Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King labeled Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme comments.

But Joshua, defended his mindset: “It's my job, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I understand many people don't grasp 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 important, respectfully.”

He continued, “That's just the mentality we have to have as boxers. I'm unsure if other boxers think that way. Maybe they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a perilous thing. Anything can happen.”

“You wish 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 was purely professional.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Retort

Jake Paul, a considerable underdog in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was no less incendiary in his retort.

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

Joshua will face Paul, 28, at Florida's arena in a bout many regard as a glaring mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

The professional contest will be contested over eight 3-minute stanzas using standard 10oz padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for Joshua.

He Says He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing

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

“They want me to stop the Jake Paul show and I comprehend it and that's why I have to carry boxing on my back in this fight,” he concluded.

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

The final staredown concluded without incident, with the underdog striking a bizarre pose before the champion remained calm and lightly grabbed Paul's necklace.

Paul & Joshua Deny Scripted Allegations

The peculiar aspect of this fight has led to speculation about its authenticity, including claims that Joshua may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

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

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

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

Biggest Shock in Sport's History?

Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, gathering a huge online audience.

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's calibre but insisted that his opponent would not underestimate him.

“It's a wise move on his part,” he said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the biggest defeat of his career.”

A victory for the underdog would be arguably the most shocking surprise in the sport's annals.

It would certainly leave an permanent mark on his record, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.

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