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The British heavyweight stood by his controversial comments about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a news conference in Florida on midweek.

The remarks were originally stated on Tuesday when Joshua was asked if he would show restraint against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

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

Tyson Fury Labels Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury called Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme comments.

But the 36-year-old fighter, explained his position: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“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 crucial, with all due respect.”

He stated, “That's just the mindset we have to have as boxers. I don't know if other boxers think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a perilous thing. Anything can happen.”

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

Jake Paul's Fiery Retort

Paul, a considerable underdog in the fight as a career cruiserweight, was equally fiery in his reply.

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

AJ will face his opponent, 28, at Florida's arena in a bout many consider a significant mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be fought over eight 3-minute rounds using regular 10oz padded gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for the former champion.

He Claims He Was “Called In to Rescue” Boxing

Despite the vulgar language used, the fighter suggested he has been “called in to save” the sport of boxing.

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

The event also had lighter exchanges, with AJ smiling as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown passed peacefully, with Paul striking a odd pose before the champion remained calm and playfully touched his necklace.

Paul & Joshua Deny Scripted Allegations

The surreal nature of this bout has led to speculation about its authenticity, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

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

Joshua, wearing a valuable chain, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the payment.”

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

Biggest Shock in Sport's History?

Paul first made his name as an online prankster, amassing a huge online audience.

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's pedigree but insisted that his opponent would take him seriously.

“It's smart on his part,” Paul commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the greatest loss of his career.”

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

It would certainly leave an permanent mark on his record, but the fighter stated it would not mean retirement.

“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I'll be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the sport.”