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Anthony Joshua doubled down on his much-discussed comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Florida on Wednesday.

These statements were initially uttered on Tuesday when Joshua was questioned if he would hold back against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked criticism over safety concerns and the size difference between the two competitors.

Fury Labels Joshua a “Disgrace”

Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King branded Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme comments.

But the 36-year-old fighter, explained his mindset: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I understand many people don't comprehend 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'm unsure if other boxers think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a perilous thing. Everything can happen.”

“You hope 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 wasn't personal.”

Jake Paul's Fiery Retort

Jake Paul, a massive outsider in the heavyweight contest as a career lighter fighter, was no less fiery in his reply.

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

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

The professional contest will be fought over 8 3-minute rounds using regular 10oz gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for the former champion.

Joshua Claims He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing

Despite the vulgar language used, Joshua claimed he has been “called in to save” boxing.

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

The event also had lighter exchanges, with Joshua laughing as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The face-off passed without incident, with the underdog adopting a bizarre pose before Joshua stayed calm and playfully grabbed Paul's chain.

Both Fighters Deny Pre-Arranged Allegations

The surreal aspect of this fight has led to rumors about its authenticity, including claims that he may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

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

The former champion, wearing a valuable chain, humorously added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the payment.”

Paul has claimed on social media that the total purse will be extremely large.

Largest Shock in Sport's History?

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

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

“It's smart on his part,” he said. “This could potentially be, and will be, the biggest defeat of his life.”

A win for the underdog would be arguably the biggest surprise in the sport's annals.

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

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