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Anthony Joshua repeated his controversial remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Florida on midweek.

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

The upcoming bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn debate over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”

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

But Joshua, explained his mindset: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I understand many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I love what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's important, with all due respect.”

He added, “That's just the mentality we have to have as fighters. 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 squared circle, it's a perilous thing. Anything can happen.”

“You wish 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 was purely professional.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Response

Paul, a considerable outsider in the heavyweight contest as a career lighter fighter, was equally fiery in his reply.

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

AJ will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Florida's arena in a bout many consider a major mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be fought over 8 3-minute rounds using standard ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified weight limit for Joshua.

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

Despite the graphic terminology used, the fighter claimed he has been “brought in to rescue” boxing.

“They want me to put an end to the Jake Paul show and I comprehend it and that's why I have to carry boxing on my back in this fight,” he added.

The event also had lighter exchanges, with AJ laughing as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off concluded without incident, with Paul adopting a bizarre pose before Joshua stayed calm and lightly grabbed Paul's chain.

Paul & Joshua Deny Scripted Claims

The unusual nature of this fight has led to rumors about its authenticity, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

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

The former champion, wearing a expensive necklace, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the purse.”

Paul has stated on his platforms that the total purse will be exceptionally high.

Largest Upset in Boxing History?

Jake 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 maintained that his opponent would not underestimate him.

“It's smart on his part,” he commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the greatest defeat of his career.”

A victory for Paul would be arguably the most shocking surprise in the boxing's history.

It would certainly leave an indelible stain on his legacy, but the fighter said it would not spell the end.

“I would return again, shake it off,” he said. “I'll be headlining again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”