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

These statements were initially uttered on Tuesday when Joshua was questioned if he would hold back against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked concern over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two competitors.

Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Disgrace”

Ex- world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King labeled Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his stance: “It's my job, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I'm sure 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 held high, that's what's important, with all due respect.”

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

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

Jake Paul's Incendiary Retort

Jake Paul, a huge outsider in the heavyweight contest as a natural cruiserweight, was equally combative in his reply.

“This is a modern day combat sport,” he said. “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.”

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

The professional contest will be contested over eight 3-minute stanzas using regular 10oz padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.

He Says He Was “Called In to Rescue” The Sport

Despite the graphic terminology used, Joshua said he has been “called in to save” boxing.

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

The event also had more humorous exchanges, with AJ laughing as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The face-off concluded without incident, with Paul striking a unusual pose before the champion stayed calm and lightly touched his necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Scripted Allegations

The unusual aspect of this bout has led to speculation about its authenticity, including claims that he may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

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

The former champion, sporting a valuable chain, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the purse.”

He has stated on social media that the fight earnings will be extremely high.

Largest Shock in Sport's History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, 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 smart on his part,” Paul commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the greatest defeat of his career.”

A win for Paul would be perhaps the most shocking upset in the sport's history.

It would certainly leave an permanent mark on his legacy, but the athlete stated it would not spell the end.

“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I'll be headlining again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a player in the sport.”