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The British heavyweight stood by his controversial remarks about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Miami on midweek.

The remarks were originally stated on the previous day when the boxer was asked if he would show restraint against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

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

Tyson Fury Labels Joshua a “Disgrace”

Ex- titleholder Tyson Fury labeled Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme comments.

But Joshua, explained 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 love what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's important, with all due respect.”

He added, “That's just the psychology 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 ring, it's a risky thing. Everything can happen.”

“You wish your opponent leaves the ring in good health, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It was purely professional.”

Paul's Incendiary Retort

Jake Paul, a massive outsider in the heavyweight contest as a career lighter fighter, was equally combative in his response.

“This is a modern day combat sport,” Paul stated. “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, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a fight many regard as a significant mismatch, with some arguing it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

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

Joshua Claims He Was “Brought In to Rescue” Boxing

Despite the graphic terminology used, Joshua said he has been “called in to save” the sport of boxing.

“They want me to stop the Jake Paul show and I understand it and that's why I have to carry the sport on my back in this bout,” he added.

The news conference also had lighter exchanges, with AJ smiling as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The final staredown passed peacefully, with the underdog adopting a unusual pose before the champion remained calm and lightly grabbed Paul's necklace.

Paul & Joshua Deny Scripted Claims

The unusual nature of this bout has led to questions about its authenticity, including suggestions that Joshua may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

“There are no clauses in the contract, Joshua can attest to it. We're going to war,” Paul said.

The former champion, sporting a valuable necklace, jokingly added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the money.”

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

Largest Upset in Sport's History?

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

He has not faced anyone of Joshua's pedigree but insisted that his opponent would not underestimate him.

“It's a wise move on his part,” he said. “This could potentially be, and will be, the largest loss of his career.”

A victory for Paul would be perhaps the biggest surprise in the boxing's annals.

It would undoubtedly leave an permanent stain on his record, but the athlete stated it would not spell the end.

“I would come back again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I will be headlining again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a player in the sport.”