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Anthony Joshua doubled down on his provocative remarks about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a press event in Florida on midweek.

His words were originally stated on the previous day when the boxer was asked if he would show restraint against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked criticism over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Fury Labels AJ a “Classless Loser”

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

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

“I'm sure many people don't grasp it but this is what my job is. I love what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's paramount, with all due respect.”

He continued, “That's just the psychology we have to have as fighters. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Maybe they're a bit more reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a dangerous thing. Everything can happen.”

“You hope your opponent exits the ring safely, 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 Response

Jake Paul, a huge underdog in the heavyweight contest as a career cruiserweight, was equally incendiary in his reply.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” he stated. “I'm prepared. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”

Joshua will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a fight many regard as a glaring mismatch, with some arguing it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

The professional contest will be contested over eight 3-minute rounds using regular ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for Joshua.

Joshua Claims He Was “Called In to Save” Boxing

Despite the graphic terminology used, the fighter said he has been “called in to rescue” the sport of boxing.

“They want me to stop the Jake Paul phenomenon 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 moments, with AJ laughing as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off passed peacefully, with Paul adopting a odd posture before the champion stayed calm and playfully grabbed Paul's necklace.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Pre-Arranged Allegations

The peculiar aspect of this bout has led to speculation about its authenticity, including claims that Joshua may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

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

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

Paul has stated on social media that the total purse will be extremely high.

Biggest Upset in Sport's History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, gathering a huge social media following.

He has not faced anyone of Joshua's calibre 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 largest defeat of his life.”

A win for Paul would be perhaps the biggest surprise in the sport's annals.

It would certainly leave an indelible stain on Joshua's legacy, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.

“I would 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 competitor in the sport.”