The British heavyweight doubled down on his provocative remarks about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Florida on midweek.
His words were first made on Tuesday when Joshua was questioned if he would hold back against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.
The upcoming fight against the internet personality turned fighter has drawn criticism over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two fighters.
Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King branded Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory language.
But Joshua, explained his mindset: “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 take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's paramount, respectfully.”
He added, “That's just the psychology 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 opponent exits 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, a considerable underdog in the fight as a career cruiserweight, was no less incendiary in his retort.
“This is a modern day combat sport,” Paul declared. “I'm ready. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”
Joshua will face his opponent, 28, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many see as a glaring mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.
The official fight will be contested over 8 three-minute rounds using standard 10oz padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for Joshua.
Despite the vulgar language used, Joshua suggested he has been “brought in to save” 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 boxing on my back in this fight,” he added.
The news conference also had lighter exchanges, with AJ laughing as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.
The final staredown passed without incident, with the underdog adopting a bizarre pose before the champion stayed composed and lightly grabbed Paul's necklace.
The surreal nature of this fight has led to rumors about its authenticity, including claims that Joshua may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.
“There are no clauses in the agreement, Joshua can confirm it. We're going to battle,” Jake Paul insisted.
The former champion, wearing a valuable chain, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the money.”
He has stated on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely high.
Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, amassing a massive online audience.
He has never fought anyone of the former champion's pedigree but maintained that his opponent would not underestimate him.
“It's smart on his part,” Paul said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the largest loss of his life.”
A win for Paul would be arguably the biggest surprise in the sport's history.
It would certainly leave an permanent stain on his legacy, but the fighter stated it would not spell the end.
“I'd return again, shake it off,” he said. “I will be main eventing again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a player in the sport.”
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