Anthony Joshua stood by his provocative comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Miami on midweek.
These statements were first made on the previous day when Joshua was questioned if he would show restraint against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
The upcoming contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted debate over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two fighters.
Ex- world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King called Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory rhetoric.
But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his stance: “This is my profession, 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 just enjoy 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 fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a dangerous thing. Everything can happen.”
“You hope your opponent 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 was not personal.”
Paul, a considerable outsider in the heavyweight contest as a career cruiserweight, was equally fiery in his response.
“This is a modern day combat sport,” he said. “I'm ready. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. We should kill each other.”
Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a fight many consider a significant mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.
The professional contest will be contested over eight three-minute stanzas using regular ten-ounce gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.
Despite the vulgar terminology used, the fighter claimed he has been “brought in to rescue” 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 boxing on my back in this fight,” he added.
The news conference also had lighter moments, with Joshua smiling as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.
The face-off passed without incident, with the underdog striking a unusual posture before Joshua remained composed and playfully grabbed his necklace.
The unusual aspect of this fight has led to rumors about its authenticity, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.
“There's nothing in the agreement, AJ can confirm it. We're going to war,” Paul said.
The former champion, sporting a expensive chain, humorously added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the purse.”
Paul has claimed on social media that the fight earnings will be extremely high.
Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, gathering a massive online audience.
He has not faced anyone of the former champion's calibre but maintained that his rival would take him seriously.
“It's smart on his part,” Paul said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the greatest loss of his life.”
A win for Paul would be perhaps the most shocking upset in the boxing's history.
It would certainly leave an permanent mark on his record, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.
“I would return again, shake it off,” he said. “I will be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a player in the game.”
