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

These statements were initially uttered on Tuesday when the boxer was asked if he would hold back 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 competitors.

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

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

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his mindset: “It's my job, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I'm sure many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's paramount, respectfully.”

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

“You wish your adversary exits the ring unharmed, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It was purely professional.”

Paul's Fiery Retort

Jake Paul, a considerable underdog in the heavyweight contest as a natural cruiserweight, was equally fiery in his retort.

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” he said. “I'm ready. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”

Joshua will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a bout many consider a major mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be contested over 8 three-minute rounds using standard 10oz gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.

He Says He Was “Called In to Save” Boxing

Despite the vulgar terminology used, the fighter suggested he has been “brought in to save” the sport of boxing.

“They want me to put an end to the Jake Paul show and I understand 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 Joshua laughing as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The face-off passed without incident, with the underdog adopting a unusual pose before Joshua stayed calm and lightly touched his necklace.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Scripted Claims

The surreal aspect of this fight has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including claims that he may be restricted from knocking Paul out.

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

The former champion, sporting a expensive necklace, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the money.”

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

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 Joshua's calibre but insisted that his opponent would take him seriously.

“It's smart on his part,” he said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the greatest defeat of his career.”

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

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on his record, but the fighter said it would not spell the end.

“I would return again, move on,” he remarked. “I'll be headlining again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”