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Anthony Joshua doubled down on his provocative comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Florida on midweek.

These statements were originally stated on Tuesday when the boxer was asked if he would hold back against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's bout against the internet personality turned fighter has drawn concern over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Disgrace”

Former titleholder Tyson Fury called Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme rhetoric.

But Joshua, justified his stance: “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 just enjoy what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's important, with all due respect.”

He continued, “That's just the psychology 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. Everything can happen.”

“You hope 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

Jake Paul, a huge underdog in the fight as a natural lighter fighter, was no less incendiary in his response.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” Paul declared. “I'm prepared. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”

Joshua will face Paul, 28, at Miami's arena in a fight many regard as a major mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

The professional contest will be fought over 8 3-minute rounds using regular ten-ounce padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for Joshua.

He Claims He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing

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

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

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

The final staredown concluded without incident, with the underdog striking a unusual posture before the champion stayed composed and lightly grabbed Paul's chain.

Both Fighters Deny Scripted Allegations

The peculiar aspect of this bout has led to questions about its authenticity, including claims that he may be restricted from scoring a knockout.

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

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

He has claimed on his platforms that the fight earnings will be extremely high.

Largest Shock in Boxing History?

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

He has never fought anyone of the former champion's skill level but insisted that his opponent would not underestimate him.

“It's smart on his part,” Paul said. “This could potentially be, and will be, the largest defeat of his career.”

A win for the underdog would be arguably the biggest upset in the sport's history.

It would certainly leave an indelible mark on Joshua's record, but the fighter stated it would not mean retirement.

“I would come back 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.”