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

His words were initially uttered on Tuesday when the boxer was questioned if he would show restraint against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's fight against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted debate over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Fury Calls Joshua a “Disgrace”

Former titleholder Tyson Fury branded 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 take pleasure in what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's paramount, with all due respect.”

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

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

Paul's Fiery Retort

Jake Paul, a massive underdog in the heavyweight contest as a natural cruiserweight, was equally combative in his response.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” he stated. “I'm ready. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. We should kill each other.”

AJ will face Paul, in his twenties, at Florida's arena in a fight many consider a glaring mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be contested over eight three-minute rounds using regular ten-ounce gloves, with a specified weight limit for the former champion.

He Claims He Was “Brought In to Rescue” The Sport

Despite the graphic terminology used, the fighter suggested he has been “brought in to save” 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 lighter moments, with AJ laughing as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The face-off concluded without incident, with Paul striking a unusual posture before the champion remained calm and playfully touched his necklace.

Both Fighters Deny Pre-Arranged Allegations

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

“There's nothing in the agreement, AJ can attest to it. We're going to battle,” Paul said.

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

He has claimed on social media that the total purse will be extremely high.

Largest Shock in Boxing History?

Jake Paul first made his name as an online prankster, gathering a huge social media following.

He has not faced 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 said. “This could potentially be, and will be, the biggest loss of his life.”

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

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on his legacy, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.

“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I'll be headlining again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”