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The British heavyweight stood by his controversial comments about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Florida on Wednesday.

His words were first made on the previous day when the boxer was asked if he would show restraint against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted debate over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two competitors.

Tyson Fury Labels AJ a “Classless Loser”

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

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

He stated, “That's just the mentality we have to have as warriors. 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. Anything can happen.”

“You pray 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 Response

Paul, a considerable underdog in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was no less incendiary in his retort.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” Paul stated. “I'm ready. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”

Joshua will face his opponent, 28, at Miami's arena in a bout many see as a glaring mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

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

Joshua Claims He Was “Called In to Save” Boxing

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

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

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

The final staredown concluded without incident, with the underdog adopting a odd posture before Joshua stayed calm and lightly touched his necklace.

Both Fighters Deny Scripted Allegations

The peculiar aspect of this fight has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including suggestions that Joshua may be restricted from scoring a knockout.

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

The former champion, sporting a valuable chain, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the purse.”

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

Biggest Shock in Sport's History?

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 rival would take him seriously.

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

A win for Paul would be perhaps the most shocking upset in the sport's annals.

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on his record, but the fighter stated it would not mean retirement.

“I would return again, shake it off,” he said. “I will be main eventing again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”