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The British heavyweight repeated his much-discussed comments about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a news conference in Florida on Wednesday.

These statements were initially uttered on the previous day when Joshua was asked if he would hold back against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked concern over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Fury Labels Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King branded Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his mindset: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I understand many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I love what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, with all due respect.”

He added, “That's just the psychology we have to have as warriors. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Maybe they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a perilous thing. Anything can happen.”

“You hope 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 not personal.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Response

Paul, a huge underdog in the heavyweight contest as a natural lighter fighter, was no less incendiary in his reply.

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

AJ will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a fight many see as a glaring mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be fought over eight three-minute rounds using regular ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified weight limit for the former champion.

He Claims He Was “Called In to Rescue” Boxing

Despite the graphic terminology used, the fighter claimed he has been “brought in to save” boxing.

“They want me to put an end to 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 news conference also had lighter moments, with AJ smiling as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The final staredown concluded without incident, with the underdog adopting a unusual pose before Joshua stayed calm and lightly grabbed Paul's necklace.

Both Fighters Deny Pre-Arranged Claims

The surreal nature of this fight has led to rumors about its authenticity, including suggestions that he may be restricted from scoring a knockout.

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

The former champion, sporting a expensive chain, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the purse.”

He has claimed on social media that the total purse will be extremely large.

Largest Upset in Sport's History?

Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, gathering a huge social media following.

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

“It's smart on his part,” he commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the largest loss of his life.”

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

It would certainly leave an indelible mark on his legacy, but the athlete said it would not mean retirement.

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