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The British heavyweight repeated his provocative remarks about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a press event in Florida on Wednesday.

The remarks were first made on the previous day when the boxer was questioned if he would hold back against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's bout against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted debate over safety concerns and the size difference between the two athletes.

Tyson Fury Labels Joshua a “Disgrace”

Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King called Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory comments.

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his stance: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“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 - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”

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

“You wish your opponent leaves the ring unharmed, 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 considerable underdog in the heavyweight contest as a career lighter fighter, was equally fiery in his reply.

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

AJ will face Paul, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a fight many regard as a significant mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be fought over eight 3-minute stanzas using standard ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.

He Says He Was “Brought In to Rescue” Boxing

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

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

The news conference also had more humorous moments, with Joshua laughing as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The face-off passed without incident, with Paul adopting a unusual posture before Joshua stayed composed and lightly grabbed his necklace.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Pre-Arranged Allegations

The surreal aspect of this fight has led to questions about its legitimacy, including claims that Joshua may be restricted from knocking Paul out.

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

Joshua, sporting a expensive necklace, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the money.”

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

Largest Upset in Sport's History?

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

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

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

A win for the underdog would be perhaps the most shocking upset in the boxing's annals.

It would certainly leave an permanent mark on his legacy, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.

“I'd come back again, move on,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”