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Anthony Joshua repeated his much-discussed remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a press event in Florida on Wednesday.

These statements were first made on the previous day when the boxer was asked if he would hold back against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn concern over safety concerns and the size difference between the two athletes.

Fury Labels Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Former titleholder Tyson Fury called Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme comments.

But Joshua, defended his position: “It's my job, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I'm sure many people don't grasp it but this is what my job is. I love what I do. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, with all due respect.”

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

“You wish your adversary leaves the ring in good health, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It was purely professional.”

Paul's Incendiary Retort

Paul, a huge underdog in the heavyweight contest as a natural cruiserweight, was equally combative in his reply.

“This is a modern day combat sport,” he 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, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a fight 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 fought over eight 3-minute stanzas using regular 10oz padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.

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

Despite the extreme terminology used, Joshua claimed he has been “called in to rescue” the sport of boxing.

“They want me to halt the Jake Paul show and I understand it and that's why I have to bear the sport on my back in this bout,” he added.

The event also had more humorous exchanges, with Joshua smiling as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown concluded without incident, with Paul adopting a odd pose before Joshua stayed composed and lightly grabbed his necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims

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

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

The former champion, wearing a expensive chain, humorously added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the payment.”

He has stated on social media that the fight earnings will be extremely large.

Largest Shock in Sport's History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, amassing a massive online audience.

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's pedigree but insisted that his opponent would not underestimate him.

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

A win for Paul would be perhaps the biggest surprise in the sport's history.

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

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