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The British heavyweight doubled down on his provocative comments about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Florida on midweek.

The remarks were originally stated on Tuesday when the boxer was questioned if he would hold back against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted concern over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Disgrace”

Former world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King branded Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory comments.

But Joshua, defended his stance: “It's my job, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I'm sure many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”

He stated, “That's just the mentality we have to have as warriors. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, 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 aware you just did your job. It wasn't personal.”

Jake Paul's Fiery Response

Jake Paul, a huge outsider in the heavyweight contest as a natural lighter fighter, was no less incendiary in his reply.

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” Paul said. “I'm ready. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”

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

The official fight will be fought over 8 3-minute stanzas using regular 10oz gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for the former champion.

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

Despite the extreme language used, the fighter claimed he has been “brought in to rescue” the sport of boxing.

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

The event also had lighter exchanges, with Joshua laughing as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off passed peacefully, with the underdog adopting a odd pose before the champion stayed composed and lightly grabbed his chain.

Paul & Joshua Deny Pre-Arranged Claims

The peculiar nature of this bout has led to rumors about its authenticity, including suggestions that Joshua may be restricted from knocking Paul out.

“There are no clauses in the agreement, Joshua can confirm it. We're going to battle,” Paul said.

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

He has stated on social media that the total purse will be exceptionally high.

Largest Shock in Sport's History?

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

He has not faced anyone of the former champion's calibre but insisted that his rival would take him seriously.

“It's smart on his part,” Paul said. “This could potentially be, and will be, the biggest defeat of his career.”

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

It would certainly leave an permanent mark on his 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 couple of years. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”