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Anthony Joshua stood by his provocative remarks about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a news conference in Florida on midweek.

His words were initially uttered on the previous day 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 attracted criticism over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two competitors.

Fury Labels AJ a “Classless Loser”

Ex- world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King called Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme rhetoric.

But Joshua, explained his stance: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I understand many people don't grasp it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's crucial, with all due respect.”

He stated, “That's just the mindset we have to have as warriors. I'm unsure if other boxers think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a risky thing. Anything 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 wasn't personal.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Response

Jake Paul, a considerable outsider in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was equally combative in his retort.

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

AJ will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many regard as a glaring mismatch, with some arguing it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be contested over eight 3-minute stanzas using standard 10oz padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for Joshua.

He Claims He Was “Called In to Rescue” Boxing

Despite the vulgar language used, the fighter said he has been “called in to save” the sport of boxing.

“They want me to put an end to 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 more humorous exchanges, with Joshua laughing as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The face-off passed peacefully, with Paul adopting a odd pose before the champion stayed calm and lightly grabbed Paul's necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Scripted Claims

The peculiar aspect of this fight has led to questions about its legitimacy, including suggestions that Joshua may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

“There are no clauses in the agreement, Joshua 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 attention was the money.”

He has claimed on social media that the fight earnings will be extremely large.

Biggest Upset in Sport's History?

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

He has not faced anyone of Joshua's skill level but insisted that his opponent 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 the underdog would be perhaps the biggest upset in the boxing's annals.

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

“I would return again, move on,” he said. “I will be main eventing again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”