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Anthony Joshua doubled down on his much-discussed comments about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Florida on midweek.

The remarks were originally stated on Tuesday when the boxer was asked if he would show restraint against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming bout against the internet personality turned fighter has drawn concern over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Disgrace”

Former titleholder The Gypsy King branded Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory comments.

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his mindset: “It's my job, 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 love what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, with all due respect.”

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

“You wish 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 purely professional.”

Paul's Incendiary Response

Jake Paul, a huge outsider in the fight as a natural cruiserweight, was equally combative in his reply.

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

AJ will face Paul, in his twenties, at Miami's arena in a fight many consider a significant mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

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

He Claims He Was “Called In to Save” Boxing

Despite the extreme terminology used, the fighter said he has been “brought in to save” the sport of boxing.

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

The news conference also had more humorous exchanges, with AJ smiling as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown passed peacefully, with Paul adopting a odd posture before the champion stayed composed and lightly grabbed Paul's necklace.

Both Fighters Deny Pre-Arranged Allegations

The surreal aspect of this bout has led to rumors about its authenticity, including suggestions that Joshua may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

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

Joshua, wearing a expensive necklace, jokingly added, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the money.”

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

Biggest Upset in Boxing History?

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

He has not faced anyone of Joshua's pedigree but maintained that his rival would take him seriously.

“It's smart on his part,” Paul commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the largest defeat of his life.”

A win for Paul would be perhaps the most shocking upset in the sport's annals.

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

“I would return again, move on,” he remarked. “I'll be headlining again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”