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Anthony Joshua doubled down on his controversial comments about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a news conference in Florida on Wednesday.

His words were initially uttered 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”.

Saturday's fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked criticism over the risk involved and the size difference between the two athletes.

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Disgrace”

Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King labeled Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme language.

But the 36-year-old fighter, explained his position: “This is my profession, 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, respectfully.”

He stated, “That's just the psychology we have to have as boxers. 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 ring, it's a perilous thing. Everything can happen.”

“You wish your opponent 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 wasn't personal.”

Paul's Incendiary Response

Paul, a considerable outsider in the fight as a career cruiserweight, was equally fiery in his response.

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” he stated. “I'm prepared. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”

Joshua will face Paul, 28, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a fight many regard as a significant mismatch, with some arguing it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be contested over eight 3-minute rounds using standard 10oz padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for the former champion.

Joshua Says He Was “Called In to Save” The Sport

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

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

The news conference also had lighter moments, with Joshua laughing as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown concluded peacefully, with the underdog striking a bizarre posture before the champion stayed calm and playfully touched Paul's necklace.

Paul & Joshua Deny Pre-Arranged Allegations

The unusual aspect of this bout has led to questions about its legitimacy, including suggestions that Joshua may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

“There are no clauses in the contract, Joshua can attest to it. We're going to war,” Jake Paul insisted.

The former champion, wearing a expensive necklace, humorously added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the money.”

Paul has stated on his platforms that the fight earnings will be exceptionally high.

Largest Upset in Boxing History?

Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, amassing a massive online audience.

He has never fought anyone of the former champion's pedigree but insisted that his rival would take him seriously.

“It's a wise move on his part,” he said. “This could potentially be, and will be, the largest defeat of his career.”

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

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

“I would return again, move on,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a player in the sport.”