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The British heavyweight doubled down on his much-discussed comments about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a press event in Florida on midweek.

His words were initially uttered on Tuesday when the boxer was questioned if he would show restraint against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn debate over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two competitors.

Fury Calls AJ a “Disgrace”

Ex- world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury labeled Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his position: “This is what I do, 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 take pleasure in what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's crucial, with all due respect.”

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

“You hope your opponent 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.”

Paul's Fiery Response

Jake Paul, a huge outsider in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was equally fiery in his response.

“This is a modern day combat sport,” he declared. “I'm prepared. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. We should kill each other.”

Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a bout many consider a significant mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

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

Joshua Claims He Was “Brought In to Rescue” Boxing

Despite the extreme language used, the fighter said he has been “called in to save” boxing.

“They want me to halt 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 more humorous exchanges, with AJ smiling as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The face-off concluded without incident, with Paul adopting a unusual pose before Joshua remained calm and lightly grabbed his necklace.

Paul & Joshua Deny Pre-Arranged Claims

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

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

Joshua, sporting a expensive necklace, humorously added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the payment.”

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

Biggest Upset in Sport's History?

Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, gathering a massive online audience.

He has never fought anyone of the former champion's skill level but maintained that his rival would take him seriously.

“It's smart on his part,” Paul said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the biggest loss of his life.”

A win for the underdog would be arguably the most shocking upset in the boxing's annals.

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

“I would return again, move on,” he remarked. “I'll be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a player in the sport.”