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The British heavyweight stood by his controversial remarks about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a news conference in Florida on Wednesday.

The remarks were initially uttered on Tuesday when Joshua was asked if he would hold back against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn debate over safety concerns and the size difference between the two athletes.

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Disgrace”

Former world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King branded Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory rhetoric.

But Joshua, defended his mindset: “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 take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's important, with all due respect.”

He added, “That's just the psychology we have to have as boxers. I'm unsure if other boxers think that way. Maybe they're a bit more reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a risky thing. Anything can happen.”

“You wish your adversary leaves the ring unharmed, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It was not personal.”

Jake Paul's Fiery Retort

Jake Paul, a considerable outsider in the heavyweight contest as a natural cruiserweight, was no less incendiary in his reply.

“This is a modern day combat sport,” he stated. “I'm prepared. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”

AJ will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Miami's arena in a fight many consider a major mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

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

He Says He Was “Brought In to Save” The Sport

Despite the extreme language used, Joshua said he has been “called in to rescue” boxing.

“They want me to put an end to 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 concluded.

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

The final staredown concluded without incident, with the underdog striking a unusual posture before Joshua stayed composed and lightly grabbed his chain.

Both Fighters Deny Pre-Arranged Claims

The unusual nature of this bout has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including claims that he may be restricted from knocking Paul out.

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

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

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

Biggest Upset in Sport's History?

Jake Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, amassing a massive social media following.

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

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

A victory for Paul would be arguably the biggest surprise in the boxing's annals.

It would certainly leave an permanent stain on Joshua's record, but the athlete said it would not spell the end.

“I would come back again, move on,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a competitor in the game.”