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

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

The upcoming contest against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted criticism over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Fury Labels AJ a “Disgrace”

Former titleholder Tyson Fury labeled Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme rhetoric.

But Joshua, defended his position: “This is my profession, 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 love what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's important, respectfully.”

He stated, “That's just the mentality we have to have as fighters. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a dangerous thing. Everything can happen.”

“You hope your adversary leaves the ring in good health, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It was not personal.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Response

Jake Paul, a considerable underdog in the fight as a natural cruiserweight, was no less incendiary in his retort.

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

Joshua will face his opponent, 28, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many see as a significant mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be fought over 8 three-minute rounds using standard 10oz padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.

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

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

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

The event also had lighter moments, with Joshua laughing as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off concluded peacefully, with Paul striking a unusual posture before Joshua remained calm and lightly touched his necklace.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims

The unusual nature of this bout has led to questions about its legitimacy, including claims that he may be restricted from knocking Paul out.

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

The former champion, sporting a expensive 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 high.

Largest Upset in Sport's History?

Jake Paul first made his name as an online prankster, amassing a massive social media following.

He has not faced anyone of Joshua's skill level but maintained that his rival would take him seriously.

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

A victory for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest upset in the boxing's history.

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on Joshua's legacy, but the athlete stated it would not mean retirement.

“I'd come back again, move on,” he remarked. “I will be main eventing again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a player in the game.”