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The British heavyweight doubled down on his provocative comments about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Florida on Wednesday.

The remarks were first made on the previous day when Joshua was asked if he would hold back against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted concern over the risk involved and the size difference between the two fighters.

Fury Calls Joshua a “Disgrace”

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

But Joshua, justified his stance: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

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

He stated, “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 risky thing. Everything can happen.”

“You hope your adversary 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

Paul, a huge underdog in the fight as a natural cruiserweight, was equally combative in his reply.

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

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

The official fight will be fought over 8 three-minute stanzas using regular 10oz padded gloves, with a specified weight limit for Joshua.

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

Despite the vulgar terminology used, Joshua claimed he has been “brought in to save” boxing.

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

The event also had lighter moments, with Joshua smiling as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The final staredown concluded without incident, with the underdog adopting a odd pose before Joshua stayed calm and playfully grabbed his necklace.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Scripted Claims

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

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

The former champion, sporting a valuable necklace, jokingly added, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the payment.”

Paul has claimed on social media that the fight earnings will be exceptionally high.

Biggest Shock in Boxing History?

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

He has not faced anyone of the former champion's pedigree but insisted that his opponent would take him seriously.

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

A victory for Paul would be arguably the most shocking upset in the boxing's annals.

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

“I'd return again, shake it off,” he said. “I will be headlining again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”