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Anthony Joshua stood by his much-discussed remarks about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a news conference in Florida on midweek.

The remarks were first made 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 contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked concern over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two competitors.

Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Ex- world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King branded Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his stance: “This is my profession, 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. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's paramount, 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 risky thing. Everything can happen.”

“You pray your opponent exits the ring safely, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It wasn't personal.”

Paul's Fiery Retort

Paul, a massive underdog in the heavyweight contest as a natural cruiserweight, was no less 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 said and done. Let's kill each other.”

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

The professional contest will be contested over eight 3-minute stanzas using standard 10oz padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for Joshua.

He Says He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing

Despite the vulgar 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 understand it and that's why I have to carry the sport on my back in this bout,” he added.

The news conference also had more humorous moments, with AJ laughing as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off passed without incident, with the underdog adopting a odd pose before Joshua stayed calm and playfully grabbed his chain.

Both Fighters Deny Scripted Allegations

The peculiar aspect of this fight has led to questions about its legitimacy, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

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

Joshua, sporting a valuable necklace, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the payment.”

Paul has stated on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely large.

Biggest Upset in Sport's History?

Paul first made his name as an online prankster, gathering a massive online audience.

He has not faced anyone of the former champion's calibre but maintained that his rival would not underestimate him.

“It's smart on his part,” Paul commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the biggest defeat 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 record, but the athlete stated it would not spell the end.

“I'd return again, move on,” he remarked. “I'll be main eventing again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a player in the game.”